BS Yediyurappa Breaks Down, Resigns As Karnataka Chief Minister

Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa broke down at a two-year celebration of his government today and announced his resignation, ending weeks of speculation raised by unrelenting involves his removal by a neighborhood of the BJP within the state.
“I have decided to resign. i will be able to meet the Governor after lunch,” Mr Yediyurappa, 78, declared during a tearful speech at the Vidhan Sabha premises, talking about being tested constantly within the two years of his fourth term – possibly his last, given the BJP’s regulation of 75 years for posts. Soon after, he walked to the building nearby handy in his resignation.

He will remain caretaker Chief Minister as his party decides on a replacement; sources say a choice could take two or three days.

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.

— B.S.Yediyurappa (Modi Ka Parivar) (@BSYBJP) July 26, 2021

“I thank PM (Narendra) Modi, Amit Shah and JP Nadda. They gave me the prospect to rule as Chief Minister despite being over 75. I had decided to resign a while back. i assumed it best to resign today as we mark completion of two years during this term,” he told reporters.

“Nobody pressured me to resign. I did it on my very own in order that somebody else can take over as Chief Minister after the completion of two years of state . I”ll work to bring BJP back in power within the next election. I’ve not first name of anyone who will succeed me,” Mr Yediyurappa added.

Earlier, in his speech, he said: “When (Atal Bihari Vajpayee) was Prime Minister he asked me to be a minister at the Centre. But I said i will be able to be in Karnataka.”

The BJP had grown in Karnataka, he said, adding: “It has always been an agnipariksha (trial by fire) on behalf of me . These last two years it had been Covid.”

He also tweeted a tribute to his party’s icons and top leaders.

The resignation was widely anticipated but Mr Yediyurappa kept everyone guessing till yesterday. Even a minister claimed surprise. “It was a surprise on behalf of me . He told me that he may receive a positive decision from the supreme headquarters by July 26. But we all need to abide by the norms of the party,” said K Sudhakar.

Last week, there have been many appeals to the BJP in his favour – party loyalists, priests and influential members of his Lingayat community, including an opposition Congress leader.