Bengaluru: “I am a struggler and I lose nothing if I lose power,” these were the words of BS Yeddyurappa, who was sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Karnataka just two days ago.
In a dramatic turn of events, BSY tendered his resignation on Saturday, before going for the floor test to prove his majority in the wake of a fractured assembly.
In a 20-minute long speech, BSY said that he had come from a background of struggle and whether he has power or not holds no consequence to him as he would continue to work for the cause of the people of the state, the farmers and the downtrodden.
The recent result of the assembly polls gave 104 seats to the BJP in the 222 seat assembly falling short of the required 8 seats to prove its majority and form the government. Though the Governor had given 15 days time to the BJP to prove its majority, the Supreme Court directed the BJP to prove its majority on Saturday itself.
However, BSY opted to speak before the house could be thrown open for the floor test and attacked the Congress and the JD(S) for their anti-democratic stand.
“My only aim to form the government was to serve the farmers and Dalits who were suffering,” he said promising to continue to fight for the cause of the people of the state till his last breath.
Cong-JD(S) celebrate
Immediately after BSY’s announcement of his resignation, the BJP leaders and legislators walked out while the JD(S) and the Congress members turned jubiliant and waved a victory sign.
The two have announced that they are now waiting for the Governor to invite them to form the government.
Many responsd to the turn of events
Several Congress leaders have reacted to the event that took place in Karnataka. “Poor Mr Yeddyurappa. When the puppeteers fail, the puppet falls and breaks,” Congress leader P Chidambaram tweeted.
“Democracy has won in Karnataka. The conspiracy made by the BJP has failed to authorise the anti-constitutional measures,” Congress leader Siddaramaiah tweeted.
“Democracy wins. Congratulations Karnataka. Congratulations Deve Gowda Ji, Kumaraswamy Ji, Congress and others. Victory of the ‘regional’
front,” West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said.
“Right now news has come that BS Yeddyurappa has resigned as Karnataka’s CM. Are all of you happy? All those who believe in democracy are happy,” Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said.
“As I take off from Auckland, news comes in of BSY’s resignation. That so many MLAs proved impervious to the BJP’s blandishments is an encouraging sign for Indian democracy. And that the party with the highest percentage of votes will now form the government w/an ally is gr8 news!” Congress leader Shashi Tharoor tweeted.
