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Basavaraj Bommai takes oath as 23rd chief minister of Karnataka
Karnataka chief minister Basavaraj Bommai arrived at Raj Bhawan at around 10:30am on Wednesday for the oath-taking ceremony, accompanied by BS Yediyurappa. Earlier, he met central BJP observer and Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan in Bengaluru.
Basavaraj Bommai, veteran leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), took oath on Wednesday as the 23rd chief minister of Karnataka, succeeding BS Yediyurappa for the post. Bommai's predecessor had quit two days ago, amid speculations that were rife over a crisis in the BJP's state unit. The new chief minister is an ideal candidate for the party, obedient to the central leadership and a close associate of Yediyurappa, HT reported earlier.
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Basavaraj Bommai arrived at Raj Bhavan at around 10:30am on Wednesday for the oath-taking ceremony, accompanied by BS Yediyurappa. Earlier, he met central BJP observer and Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan in Bengaluru.
Bommai was appointed for the post on Tuesday by the BJP high command, a day after Yediyurappa turned in his papers. In the moments following his election, Bommai vowed to work for the welfare of the poor and lead a "pro-people", specifically a "pro-poor people" governance.
"I will chair a meeting of the cabinet later today," the newly-elected chief minister was earlier quoted as saying by news agency ANI. "After that, I will hold a meeting with senior officers to review the Covid-19 and flood situation in the state."
Notably, Yediyurappa's resignation came amid widespread floods, triggered by heavy rains, in Karnataka. The chief minister-designate, however, on Tuesday praised his predecessor for his handling of the flood havoc and Covid-19 management.
Bommai, however, said that his predecessor BS Yediyurappa is a mentor and his vast experience would help him govern the state efficiently.
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 newly-elected chief minister said that he did not have any problem working under the guidance of Yediyurappa and would, in fact, 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.
Meanwhile, Bommai's supporters hit the roads, burst crackers, and raised slogans in favour of their leader, news agencies said.
