Basavaraj Bommai says BSY a tall leader, will seek his guidance in coming days

Stating that he was not expecting the elevation, Bommai said he and many others were expecting Yediyurappa would complete his term as the chief minister.

Karnataka’s chief minister-designate Basavaraj Bommai has said his predecessor BS Yediyurappa is a mentor and his vast experience would help him govern the state efficiently. Stating that he was not expecting the elevation, Bommai said he and many others were expecting Yediyurappa, also known as BSY, would complete his term as the chief minister. He met the former CM and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan before taking charge on Wednesday.

Newly elected Karnataka chief minister Basavaraj Bommai (L) with his predecessor BS Yediyurappa during the BJP legislature party meeting in Bengaluru, on Tuesday, (PTI)

Son of former chief minister SR Bommai, the new chief minister is said to have the blessings of Yediyurappa, both of whom belong to the powerful Lingayat community. The 78-year-old veteran of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was among the firsts to congratulate Bommai on his new role. “Congratulations to Shri @BSBommai on being elected as the new Chief Minister of Karnataka. I am confident you will lead Karnataka in the path of development and fulfill the aspirations of people of the state,” he wrote on Twitter.

Speaking to reporters, Bommai said Yediyurappa is a true democrat and used to give a free hand to his ministers. Having been a minister under him twice, the CM-designate said he did not see any problem working under the guidance of Yediyurappa and he would seek the latter’s advice on all important issues. “He is like a father figure to me,” Bommai was quoted as saying in a report.

A mechanical engineer and former functioanary of the Janata Dal (United), Bommai was named Karnataka's 23rd chief minister by the BJP on Tuesday, a day after caretaker Yediyurappa tendered his resignation.