Karnataka CM Yediyurappa resigns amid tears, says ‘not going anywhere, will work for state’
"Every moment of my political life was an Agnipariksha," BS Yediyurappa said on the two-year anniversary of his government. He said he would submit his resignation to Governor Tawarchand Gehlot post-lunch.
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 calls for his removal by a section of the BJP in the state.
After thanking the central leadership, Yediyurappa submitted his resignation to Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot, and it was accepted.
Speaking to the media, Yediyurappa said that he was not pressured to resign.
Even as his voice choked up as he announced his resignation, BS Yediyurappa said he wasn’t bidding farewell in sadness but thanked Bharatiya Janata Party’s leadership for the opportunity.
He further said there was no need to make any inference of dissatisfaction and he would work under whoever is put at the helm next by the party’s top leadership. “I will give my 100 per cent and so will do my supporters,” Yediyurappa was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
Though several names are doing the rounds, two names have emerged front-runners in the race: Union Minister Prahlad Joshi, a Brahmin and BJP national general secretary CT Ravi, a Vokkaliga. While elevation of Joshi will result in a CM from Brahmin community for the first time since 1988, Ravi’s appointment will help the party expand its footprint in southern Karnataka.
