Yeddy finally goes, swears by loyalty

On his party’s instructions, Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, 68, gave his resignation and had it accepted by Governor H R Bhardwaj.

“I have suggested the name of D V Sadananda Gowda, member of Parliament from Udupi-Chikmagalur, to be the next CM,” Yeddyurappa told reporters. Gowda is a former head of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

Even as he came to the Raj Bhavan to give his resignation, he demonstrated his support in the party, as he walked with 70 MLAs (112 is the half-way mark in the legislative assembly).

Soon after, he told reporters: “As a disciplined soldier of the party, I have resigned.”

It was, as reported earlier, preceded by much drama. He had seemed to suddenly change his agreement to quit, as the party high command had delayed the announcement of his successor. However, the party wanted him to resign before any name was announced.

At a function to felicitate him at the Bangalore Palace grounds by the Balija community, the grim-faced CM made his last official speech. He announced his decision to quit and said he would continue to work for the party, beginning with a statewide campaign to mobilise support.

“My dream was to make Karnataka the best state in the country. I will not rest even for a day till I meet the goal. I am tendering my resignation today. From tomorrow I will continue to work for the party,” he said, adding: “I have no regrets in demitting office, though I am unhappy about the circumstances under which I have been asked to go by my party high command. I will devote all my time hereafter to make the party win at least 150 seats in the next assembly elections that is due in 2013 and form the government again by touring the state from Monday.”

Yeddyurappa assumed office on May 30, 2008, after leading the party to victory, winning 110 seats, three less than the absolute majority of 113. He mustered a majority by roping in five Independents who were all made cabinet ministers. Later, he, apparently with the blessings of the party, lured several Congress and Janata Dal (S) legislators to ensure a comfortable majority.

Now, the party has 121 members, including the speaker, in the 225-member assembly. The Congress has 71, JD-S 26, Independents six and one is a nominated member from the Anglo-Indian community.