Karnataka will have a new chief minister on Wednesday, with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Basavaraj Somappa Bommai taking the oath of office at 11 a.m. After months of speculation about a rift in the state’s ruling dispensation, caretaker chief minister BS Yediyurappa tendered his resignation two days ago.
Basavaraj Bommai, Karnataka’s 23rd chief minister, will take the oath of office today. The BJP high command appointed him for the position on Tuesday, a day after Yediyurappa turned in his papers. Bommai promised to work for the poor’s welfare and lead a “pro-people” government, specifically a “pro-poor people” government, shortly after his election.
Notably, Yediyurappa’s resignation came in the midst of widespread floods in Karnataka, which were triggered by heavy rains. On Tuesday, however, the chief minister-designate praised his predecessor for his handling of the floods and Covid-19 management.
“Facing the tough situation as chief minister when there were severe floods and Covid-19 situations twice, Yedyurappa has taken the state forward,” Bommai said. “He (Yediyurappa) has managed the economy of the state in a manner that there was no shortage of funds in the state despite facing tough situations.”
Meanwhile, news that Bommai would be the next chief minister sparked celebrations in Shiggaon, the district headquarters of Haveri, on Tuesday. This is the same town where Bommai won a seat in the Karnataka legislature.
News agencies reported that supporters of Bommai took to the streets, bursting crackers and shouting slogans in support of their leader.
Basavaraj Bommai, a 61-year-old veteran leader from Karnataka who is a Lingayat who is obedient to the central leadership and a close associate of the outgoing chief minister, is a Lingayat who is obedient to the central leadership and a close associate of the outgoing chief minister. According to party insiders familiar with the situation, all factions within the BJP are pleased with the decision and believe that the power transition, which could have harmed the party, has ended well with Bommai’s appointment.
