Kochi: The grand old man of BJP politics in Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa has announced his resignation on Moday. The announcement comes after days of speculation about the chances of his continuing in the post. It is only two years since his government came to power in the state. He made the emotional announcement at a function held to mark the completion of two years in office. He broke down amidst his speech a number of times while making the announcement in the official function held in the Karnataka assembly to observe two years of his government.
This is the fourth time he is quitting without completing full term in the office. He said A B Vajpayee had invited him to become a union minister which he had refused. ‘I am keen to serve my party and do not believe in holding positions,” Yediyurappa said in the function.
He said he had to undergo litmus tests on different occasions in his political life. Yediyurappa had hinted about his exit a few days ago. He said he would abide by whatever decision taken by the party. The crisis in Karnataka stems out of various reasons including Yediyurappa’s style of functioning. Several MLAs had turned against Yediyurappa for his style of working. There are also caste equations that determine the longevity of a government in Karnataka. Lingayat community to which Yediyurappa belongs has 14 percent of vote share in the state. Vokkaliga OBC and SC/ST are other hierarchy in the caste structure of the state who needs to be taken into confidence.
BJP national leaders as party observers have reached Bangalore on Tuesday to hold discussions with BJP MPs and MLAs from Karnataka to hold one-to-one discussions to choose Yediyurappa’s successor. The new CM will be from Lingayat community. The discussions with central leaders will be held in the presence of BJP central observer Kishen Reddy. Union Education minister Dharmendra Pradhan and BJP National general secretary Arun Singh will also be part of discussions to select the new CM.
