BS Yediyurappa, the Chief Minister of Karnataka, announced his resignation today at a two-year celebration of his government, ending weeks of suspense sparked by continuous calls for his ouster by a segment of the BJP in the state.
“I’ve made the decision to step down. After lunch, I’ll meet with the Governor “Mr. Yediyurappa, 78, said in a sad speech before the Vidhan Sabha that he has been constantly tested in the two years of his fourth term – which may be his last, given the BJP’s 75-year age limit for posts. He strolled over to the building next door and handed in his resignation shortly after.
He will continue to be the caretaker. The Chief Minister is awaiting a decision from his party on a replacement; reports estimate it could take two or three days.
“I express my gratitude to Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi, Amit Shah, and JP Nadda. Despite my advanced age, they gave me the opportunity to serve as Chief Minister. I had made the decision to resign some time ago. As we approach the end of this term’s two years, I thought it would be better to quit today “He told reporters about it.
“No one forced me to resign. I did it on my own so that after two years of rule, someone else could take over as Chief Minister. In the next election, I’ll try to restore the BJP to power. I haven’t named someone who will take my place “Mr. Yediyurappa continued.
He stated earlier in his speech: “When (Atal Bihari Vajpayee) was Prime Minister, he asked me to join the Centre as a minister. However, I stated that I will be in Karnataka.”
He claimed that the BJP had grown in Karnataka, adding: “For me, it’s always been an agnipariksha (fire trial). It was Covid for the past two years.”
He also paid tribute to the legends and top leaders of his party on Twitter.
Mr Yediyurappa’s resignation was widely expected, but he kept everyone guessing until yesterday. Even a minister was taken aback. “It came as a shock to me. He told me that a favourable judgement from the top leadership may come as early as July 26. However, we must all follow the party’s rules “K Sudhakar expressed his thoughts.
Many party stalwarts, priests, and powerful members of his Lingayat community, include an opposition Congress politician, made appeals to the BJP in his favour last week.
