Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa resigned from the post of CM on Monday. The BJP government has completed two years in the state today. Yeddyurappa, who came to participate in the same program, announced his resignation. During this he said that I have always gone through the ordeal. Shortly after reaching the Raj Bhavan, he submitted his resignation to the Governor. His resignation has also been accepted. However, he will continue to be the acting Chief Minister till the announcement of the new Chief Minister.
After this he said that there is no pressure from the high command on him. I resigned myself. I have not suggested any name. I will work to strengthen the party. Thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for giving me an opportunity to serve the people of Karnataka.
Been Chief Minister 4 times, could never complete the term
Yediyurappa first became the Chief Minister of Karnataka on 12 November 2007, but had to resign just seven days later on 19 November 2007. After this, on 30 May 2008, he became the Chief Minister for the second time. This time he resigned on 4 August 2011 due to serious allegations of corruption. He became the Chief Minister for the third time on 17 May 2018 and then resigned on 23 May 2018 just six days later. Became the Chief Minister for the fourth time on 26 July 2019 and resigned exactly two years later.
Strong hold on Lingayat community
Assembly elections are due in Karnataka in 2023 and Yeddyurappa has a strong hold on the Lingayat community. In such a situation, after his resignation, the biggest challenge for the BJP will be to cultivate this community. On the previous day, over 100 saints from various Lingayat monasteries had met Yeddyurappa and offered his support. The saints had warned the BJP that if they were removed, there would be consequences.
Lingayat influence on 100 assembly seats in Karnataka
The Lingayat community in Karnataka is around 17%. Out of 224 assembly seats in the state, about 90-100 seats are dominated by the Lingayat community. The Lingayat community influences nearly half of the state’s population. In such a situation, it will not be easy for the BJP to ignore Yedi. To do so would mean losing the votes of this community.Who are the contenders for the new chief minister?
In place of Yeddyurappa, another minister or MLA coming from the Lingayat community can be made the chief minister. However, some media reports have also claimed that BJP can play bets on non-Lingayats this time.
- At present, Basavaraj Bommai is the first among the names being discussed as the next Chief Minister. Bommai who hails from the Lingayat community and is the Minister of Home Affairs, Parliamentary Affairs and Law Minister in the Government of Karnataka.
- BJP high command is also considering the name of Vishweshwara Hegde Kageri. Kageri is the Brahmin face of Karnataka and is currently the Speaker of Karnataka Legislative Assembly.
- State Mining Minister MR Nirani is also being said to be a strong contender for the new Chief Minister. They also come from the Lingayat community. Nirani had reached Delhi on Sunday evening to meet the party high command.
- Apart from this, the name of Union Coal Mining Minister and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi has also surfaced.
Movement started in Delhi too
After the announcement of Yeddyurappa’s resignation, the stir in Delhi has also intensified. Meanwhile, BJP President JP Nadda has spoken to Karnataka in-charge Arun Singh. It is believed that the name of the Observer can be announced soon, after which the Chief Minister will be elected.
There was speculation of resignation since the expansion of the Union Cabinet
- Speculations of Yediyurappa’s resignation had started only after the expansion of the Union Cabinet. Actually, Shobha Karandlaje, an active MP in Yeddyurappa’s camp, was included in the Modi cabinet. It is believed that this was also one of the conditions Yedi had placed before the party high command for his resignation.
- After this, Yediyurappa reached Delhi on 16 July and met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The sudden meeting fueled speculations about Yeddyurappa’s resignation. After this he met BJP President JP Nadda, Home Minister Amit Shah and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh.
Why Yeddyurappa’s support is necessary for BJP?
- Yedi is a strong leader of Lingayat caste. He is a fan of Karnataka politics. At present, the leader of his stature is not even with Congress or any other party.
- So even if BJP removes him and makes someone else the chief minister, Yeddyurappa’s support will be needed.
- Assembly elections are due in Karnataka in 2023. If Yediyurappa cuts his throat from the BJP, then the BJP may also have to bear its loss in the state.
Yeddyurappa has already shown his political status
Yediyurappa resigned from the BJP on 31 July 2011. On 30 November 2012, he formed his own party named Karnataka Janata Paksha. Actually, Yediyurappa’s move was behind the investigation of illegal mining case by the Lokayukta. Yeddyurappa’s name came up in this investigation. The BJP had to bear the loss for this. Yediyurappa again joined the BJP in 2014.
The BJP emerged as the single largest party in the 2018 assembly elections, but failed to touch the magic figure of majority. Even after this Yeddyurappa took oath as the Chief Minister. Due to not being able to prove majority in the assembly, left power after an emotional speech. After this Congress formed the government with JD(S). This government also did not last long and in 2019 Yeddyurappa again became the Chief Minister.
