B S Yediyurappa ends speculations, to resign as Karnataka CM today afternoon

Announcing the decision during a programme commemorating two years of the BJP government in Karnataka, Yediyurappa said, “I have decided that after lunch, I will go to Raj Bhavan and resign — not out of sadness but with happiness and with thanks to all leaders.”

Ending days of speculations, Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa said that he will hand over his resignation to Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot on Monday afternoon.

Announcing the decision during a programme commemorating two years of the BJP government in Karnataka, Yediyurappa said, “I have decided that after lunch, I will go to Raj Bhavan and resign — not out of sadness but with happiness and with thanks to all leaders.”

Getting emotional while speaking about his journey in politics, the Chief Minister added, “At a time when there were no cars, I remember cycling to work for the BJP party in Shikaripura, Shimoga. We, along with a few BJP workers, built the party and took it to where it is today.”

However, as there is no clarity regarding a successor, he may continue as the caretaker CM till his replacement is confirmed by the BJP high command.

“When Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the Prime Minister, he had asked me to be a minister at the Centre. However, I said I will be in Karnataka and serve the people of the state” Yediyurappa said during an emotional speech. He added, “It has always been an ‘agnipariksha’ (trial by fire) for me in these last two years since there was a pandemic.”

In a series of tweets on Monday afternoon, Yediyurappa said he has dedicated his entire 50 years of public life towards nation-building and fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Karnataka.

“Deeply influenced by Jagajyoti Basavanna’s philosophy of Kayaka, Dasoha Tattva & the life of Lingaikya Shri Shivakumara Swamiji of Siddaganga Mutt, I have dedicated my entire 50 years of public life towards nation building and fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Karnataka,” he wrote.

“Our tallest leaders, starting from Pt Deen Dayal Upadhyayaji, Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Atalji, Advaniji, Murali Manohar Joshiji have inspired me to dedicate myself to serve the nation. I have also received immense love and support of Modiji, Amit Shahji and Naddaji,” he added.

“Sarvodaya through Antyodaya has been the guiding philosophy of our party. In the last 50 years, upliftment of poor, oppressed, backward communities, senior citizens, women and children has been my priority and I dedicated myself to bring positive changes in the lives of people,” he said in another tweet before going to submit his resignation.

Yediyurappa, a 78-year-old Lingayat strongman, has served as the Chief Minister for two years after he took oath on July 26, 2019.

He had previously served as the chief minister for a week in November 2007 and again for three years from 2008 to 2011. After allegations of corruption against him, he had resigned in July 2011.

In 2018, he took charge as the Chief Minister for two days before his government was toppled by the JD(S)-Congress coalition.

After a year, he managed to form a BJP government in the state after seventeen MLAs from the Congress and JD(S) resigned and joined the BJP to support Yediyurappa.

For the past one week, since his meetings with senior BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP president J P Nadda, talks of Yediyurappa stepping down as the CM became stronger, with he himself hinting at stepping down after July 26.

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