Karnataka: The Chief Minister of Karnataka BS Yediyurappa announced his resignation today at a two-year celebration of his administration, following weeks of uncertainty sparked by relentless calls for his ouster by a section of the BJP in the state.He said “I have decided to resign. I will meet the Governor after lunch.” Mr. Yediyurappa, 78, said in an emotional address at 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 restriction for offices. He strolled over to the building next door and handed in his resignation shortly after. He'll serve as caretaker CM till his party chooses a replacement; sources suggest it might take two or three days.While talking to the reporters he said “I thank PM Modi, Amit Shah, and JP Nadda. They gave me the chance to rule as Chief Minister despite being over 75. I had decided to resign some time back. I thought it best to resign today as we mark the completion of two years in this term.” He further added “Nobody pressured me to resign. I did it on my own so that someone else can take over as Chief Minister after the completion of two years of government. I'll work to bring BJP back in power in the next election. I've not given the name of anyone who will succeed me.”Previously in his speech he mentioned “When (Atal Bihari Vajpayee) was Prime Minister he asked me to be a minister at the Centre. But I said I will be in Karnataka.” He said that the BJP has strengthened in Karnataka, adding: “It has always been an agnipariksha (trial by fire) for me. These last two years it was Covid.” He also tweeted while paying tribute to his party’s top leaders and icons. The tweet read “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.”Mr Yediyurappa's departure was widely expected, but he kept everyone guessing until yesterday. Even a minister was taken aback. K Sudhakar said “It was a surprise for me. He told me that he may receive a favourable decision from the high command by July 26. But we all have to abide by the norms of the party.” Many party supporters, priests, and prominent members of his Lingayat community, including an opposition Congress politician, made appeals to the BJP in his favour last week. He told reporters on Sunday evening that he had heard "nothing till now" from the BJP.While talking to the reporters he also said “Nothing has come till now... In the morning there is a program to mark two years of government. I will speak about the achievements in those two years. After that, you will know the progress.” He further said “I have decided that I will work till the very last minute. I already said two months ago that I was ready to resign whenever I was asked to. I will say it again - until now I have got no message from the centre. As soon as it comes, if they ask me to continue I will. If not, I will resign and work for that party.”The speculation about his departure, which had been simmering in Karnataka for months due to hatred of Mr Yediyurappa and his son, grew louder when he travelled to Delhi on a chartered jet earlier this month to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP officials. Mr Yediyurappa claimed there was no talk about his resigning after his meeting with PM Modi. After a few days e stated that he was ready to resign whenever he was asked to.Mr. Yediyurappa, the BJP's first Chief Minister in the south, was elected in 2019 following a spectacular coup in which the Janata Dal Secular-Congress coalition collapsed after 17 rebels abruptly resigned. The majority of the rebels eventually joined the BJP and ran for office. Mr. Yediyurappa's cabinet had room for many of them in his cabinet. Mr. Yediyurappa, on the other hand, was never able to please everyone. Disgruntled BJP officials such as MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, Tourism Minister CP Yogeshwar, and legislative council member AH Vishwanath have frequently criticized him over corruption accusations and accused him of allowing his son Vijayendra to meddle in politics.Mr. Yediyurappa, a charismatic and strong politician, was essential to the BJP's ascent in Karnataka, the party's gateway to the south, and his temporary departure from the party in the past resulted in the party losing elections.
