Bringing an end to his almost four-decade-old political career, B. S. Yediyurappa resigns.

Chief Minister B. S. Yediyurappa announced his resignation to Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot on July 26, bringing an end to a month of speculations. He took over the leadership for the fourth time precisely two years ago.

Soon after coming from Raj Bhavan, Mr Yediyurappa informed reporters, “I have happily resigned. The Governor has asked me to continue in the post till the next Chief Minister is appointed. The resignation is voluntary. I want to allow a chance to others to helm the government. There was no pressure. I had decided to resign two months ago”.

Raj Bhavan acknowledged his resignation in a statement issued.

The 78-year-old Chief Minister stated that his replacement would have his complete support.

The senior statesman thanked the citizens of Karnataka for enabling him to serve as the state’s Chief Minister four times.

CM Resigns at an Event

An overly sentimental Mr Yediyurappa announced his resignation at a ceremony at Banquet Hall at Vidhan Soudha. He said, “I have decided to go to Raj Bhavan after lunch and hand over my resignation. This is not out of sadness, but out of happiness”. The ceremony marked his two years in power.

He reflected on his difficult journey to a fourth term as Chief Minister and implicitly conveyed his unhappiness with the high command for confining his hand.

“I had to face a lot of challenges when I formed the government. The high command did not allow me to form the cabinet for one-and-a-half months despite flood and rains in Karnataka. I had to roam around like a mad man. Last one-and-a-half years, I had to fight COVID-19.”

He remembered the rise of the BJP in Karnataka and the contributions he made during the lengthy address.

It brings an end to his almost four-decade political life, during which he ascended through the ranks of the RSS in Shikaripura, Shivamogga district, Malnad region, into becoming the state’s Chief Minister.

The four-time chief minister is the highest leader in the Lingayat minority, BJP’s most extensive electoral base in Karnataka.

With his departure and the Karnataka BJP ready for a new age of politics, the appointment of his successor would be critical for Karnataka and how transparent the politics will be interesting to look forward to.