Basavaraj Bommai sworn-in as Karnataka CM

BJP leader Basavaraj Somappa Bommai was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Karnataka today. He was administered the oath of office by Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot at a ceremony held in Raj Bhavan.

Bengaluru (Karnataka): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Basavaraj Somappa Bommai took oath as the Chief Minister of Karnataka on Wednesday. He was administered the oath of office by Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot at a swearing-in ceremony held at Raj Bhavan here today.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Basavaraj Bommai on taking oath as the new chief minister of Karnataka, and said he brings with him rich legislative and administrative experience.

Congratulating Bommai, the prime minister said, "He brings with him rich legislative and administrative experience. I am confident he will build on the exceptional work done by our Government in the state. Best wishes for a fruitful tenure."

In his tweets, Modi also lauded Bommai's predecessor B S Yediyurappa, saying no words will ever do justice to his "monumental contribution" to the BJP and growth of its members. For decades, he toiled hard, travelled across all parts of Karnataka and struck a chord with people. He is admired for his commitment to social welfare, the prime minister said, praising the veteran leader.

Son of former Chief Minister of Karnataka SR Bommai, a mechanical engineering graduate and former Janata Dal (United) leader Bommai was appointed Karnataka Chief Minister by the BJP high command on Tuesday, a day after caretaker Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa tendered his resignation.

Shortly after his election as Karnataka Chief Minister, Basavaraj Bommai on Tuesday said that he will strive to work for the welfare of the poor. "It is a big responsibility in the given situation. I will strive to work for the welfare of the poor. It will be pro-people and pro-poor people governance. We will take all measures to fight COVID19 and floods in the state," he said.

Read:Basavaraj Bommai to take oath as Karnataka CM today

Former Karnataka Home Minister Bommai is a senior BJP leader and has previously handled many portfolios including Irrigation, Law, Parliamentary Affairs and Legislature of Karnataka in the fourth Yediyurappa ministry. He has also served as Haveri and Udupi District Incharge Minister. He previously served as Minister for Water Resources and Cooperation between 2008 and 2013.

Bommai is known to be a close aide and follower of Yediyurappa. Many in the BJP believe the announcement of Bommai as his successor is a win for Yediyurappa. Bommai is also known to have good contact with the party high command in Delhi as well as leaders of different communities in the party.

Agency Inputs