Bengaluru:Putting an end to days of speculation about the uncertainties in the Karnataka government, BS Yediyurappa stepped down as the chief minister of Karnataka on Monday after completing two years of tenure. Governor Thavar Chand Gehlot admitted his resignation by 1.50 pm. The 79-year-old leader said he has not recommended anyone's name as his successor to the party high command.
"I'm satisfied with my work. We have worked hard for the party's development. From an RSS pracharak to becoming the chief minister was a satisfactory journey. When I had won the municipality elections first, I was brutally attacked but I survived. Then, I had promised myself that I will dedicate the rest of my life for the welfare of the people. And, I have done it. From the Jan Sangh till date, I have raised my voice for the farmers and Dalits," an emotional Yediyurappa said, adding even Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had appreciated his work during his meet with the farmers in Karnataka.
"From the past one-and-a-half years, COVID-19 has battered the state. However, Karnataka has effectively succeeded in curbing the spread of the virus and even PM Modi acknowledged this. All economic activities came to a halt during the lockdowns but we did not step aside from development. We will have to ensure continued development going forward," he said.
'Was not asked to step down'
Clearing the air on whether he stepped down succumbing to the pressure of the high command, Yediyurappa said the central leadership did not ask him to resign. "The central party leadership did not ask me to step down. I had decided to resign a couple of months ago, but after completing two years. However, I will continue working for the party. I will be working to strengthen the party in the state. The ministers will cooperate and offer their support to the new chief minister," he said, adding, he had also requested the Mutt leaders, among whom the Lingayat leader enjoys a massive support, to to extend their support to the new chief minister.
Yediyurappa also said he has not recommended anyone's name to the high command. He also said he will not take up the role of a Governor to any state as he wanted to stay back in Karnataka and ensure that the party registered a comprehensive victory in the 2023 Assembly elections. "We will ensure that the party wins 120-130 seats. Irrespective of whether I am in power or not, the party must win," he said.
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In a series of tweets, Yediyurappa said it was an honour to serve as the chief minister of Karnataka and that he was humbled. He also thanked the BJP high command for giving him the opportunity.
Yediyurappa held a rare distinction of being the oldest among the incumbent BJP office bearers against the party's dictum of retiring its leaders from politics after they attain 75 years of age. It is said that the party wanted to replace Yediyurappa with a younger leader who could be projected as the chief ministerial face for the Assembly elections in the state in 2023.
"The party did not given any status to 75-year-olds, but PM Modi, Amit Shah and Nadda have allowed me up to 79 years, because of my work. My intention is to strengthen the party and bring it to power again. I have still made the same determination. The national leaders of our party will give the next indication. Based on that, I am going to start my work from July 26th. The pontiffs have come and blessed. I will never forget their love. No one found such support. With the blessings of all of them, I will work on the basis of which decision will be taken in the future. All pontiffs and activists should cooperate," Yediyurappa had earlier said.
