Karnataka Bengaluru: BS Yediyurappa resigns as Karnataka CM

Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa announced his resignation today. He will now meet the Governor at 4pm. Speaking on the two-year anniversary of his government, an emotional Yediyurappa said his government had fought for farmers, Dalits and the people of this state.

"I have been continuosly working for strengthening the party in the state," added the 78-year-old Lingayat strongman whose exit was protested against by not just powerful seers in the state but even opposition leaders. Since news of BSY's departure, the Lingayats — state's single-largest community — have been rallying around him. At nearly 17 per cent of the population, mostly in the north Karnataka region, Lingayats are known to include firm supporters of the BJP and Yediyurappa.

The Lingayats, a Hindu Shaivite community, deify Basavanna who fought for equality in society. The community can determine the outcome of polls in as many as 90-100 of the state's 224 assembly constituencies.

Yediyurappa on Sunday informed that he was expecting suggestions from the central leadership by evening.

According to sources Yediyurappa said that he had offered to resign two months ago and reiterated that he would continue in the post if the high command so desired and quit if they asked him to resign. "I will work for the party day and night for the next 10- 15 years. Let there be no doubt about it," he said.