Bengaluru: Basavaraj Bommai, who was unanimously elected the leader of the BJP legislature party on Tuesday, is all set to take oath as the chief minister of Karnataka at 11 am today. Early in the day, he offered prayers at Bhagavan Sri Maruthi Temple here. "I will chair a meeting of the Cabinet later today. Later, I will hold a meeting with senior officers to review COVID-19 and the flood situation in the state, Bommai said. Ahead of the oath-taking ceremony, Bommai on Wednesday met observer and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan here at KK guest house. He also met former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa at his residence.
On Tuesday night, the chief minister-designate met Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot and claimed a stake to form the government. He was accompanied to the Raj Bhavan by outgoing chief minister BS Yediyurappa. "We are happy. He is capable of doing good work," the 79-year-old leader said about the new chief minister and his confidant. As a social engineering measure, Bommai is likely to be sworn-in with three Deputy Chief Ministers -- B. Sriramulu, R. Ashok and Govind Karjol -- giving representation to the Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and Vokkaliga communities.
Also read: Basavaraj Bommai to be the new CM of Karnataka
Rebel BJP leaders CP Yogeshwar and Basavanagouda Patil Yatnal said they will obey the high command's orders . MLA Arvind Bellad, whose name figued prominently as a potential chief ministerial candidate, said Bommai is his guide and that the party had taken a "good decision" by appointing an experienced leader.
After being confirmed as the chief minister-designate, Bommai said he would strive to offer relief to people affected by COVID-19 and floods, besides introducing measures to improve the state's economy. "I will work day and night to offer relief to the people in distress due to COVID or the recent floods. I will initiate all steps to improve the economic condition of the state in the coming days," he told reporters. Bommai also said that he would work to implement the policies initiated by Yediyurappa.
