A tearful Yeddyurappa vows to bring change in Karnataka

The ruling BJP in Karnataka today celebrated completion of two years in office, even as the resignation of Lokayukta N Santosh Hegde over the alleged “indifferent attitude” of the state government filched away some sheen from the bash here.

Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa vowed to bring change and transform Karnataka into a model state in the next three years and begged the opposition, with tears in eyes, to extend a helping hand in the development works.

Addressing a well-organised mammoth convetion, “Sadhana Samaavesha”, at the sprawling Bangalore Palace grounds to mark the two years of the first Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) government in this southern state, an emotional Yeddyurappa said he would rather allow his work to speak and deliver promises made than making tall claims.

“It is with the blessings of the six crore people of Karnataka that we have come to power after being in the opposition for over three decades. I will not betray your trust and vow to work for the development of the state. I will make this assurance to you by writing in blood,” a tearful Yeddyurappa said.

Senior party leaders Sushma Swaraj, M Venkaiah Naidu and H N Ananth Kumar lauded the B S Yeddyurappa-led ministry.

Recalling the contribution of the party’s patriarch Atal Behari Vajpayee as the opposition leader in the Lok Sabha for over four decades, Yeddyurappa said the opposition parties in the state had as much responsibility as the ruling party in the development of the state.

Swaraj listed the various programmes launched by the government for the welfare of poor, women and the elderly and its focus on development work.

But the resignation of Lok Ayukta N Santosh Hegde, earlier this week, continues to generate heated debate among sections of the public.

Hegde, a former Supreme Court judge known for his fight against corruption, had announced his resignation rapping the BJP government for its “indifferent attitude” towards fighting corruption, embarrassing the state government.

Naidu attacked the Congress, accusing the party in the state of trying to “convert Rajbhavan into Gandhi Bhavan”.

He also alleged the Congress of approaching Governor H R Bhardwaj often to “tarnish” the government’s image.

“It is not proper in democracy. Instead, they should go to the people and try to win them over,” he said.

Yeddyurappa, who appeared emotional at times during his speech, alleged that the opposition in the state was not cooperating with the Government, while central ministers hailing from Karnataka were a helpful lot.

“I am pained to see that the Leader of Opposition Siddaramaiah has not come to the function. What mistake have I committed”, Yeddyurappa asked, as he sought cooperation from all quarters to “bring change”.