Yediyurappa, architect of BJP’s southern breakthrough, turns 84

Bengaluru: BS Yediyurappa, widely credited with spearheading BJP's rise to the top in south India, turned 84 Friday, marking five decades in public life. The party veteran remains a central figure in Karnataka politics and within the party's national structure. Celebrations were held in his home town Shikaripura in Shivamogga, with a programme at Ekalavya Stadium, Kumadvathi College, attended by a host of state functionaries including Union minister Pralhad Joshi, MP Govind Karjol, former minister B Sreeramulu and MLC CT Ravi among others, besides seers from prominent mutts in central Karnataka.
Karjol said a state-level event to mark Yediyurappa's 50 years in politics would soon be held in Chitradurga after consultations with religious seers and associates are finalised. Yediyurappa began his day with special prayers. He was present during a puja at his home and later visited the Hucchurayaswamy temple with family members, including sons BY Raghavendra, Shivamogga MP, and BY Vijayendra, president of Karnataka BJP. Union minister HD Kumaraswamy of JD(S), BJP MP and former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai and others extended greetings. Born in 1943 in Bookanakere village of Mandya district, Yediyurappa began his political journey with the RSS and Jan Sangh before rising through BJP ranks. He was first elected to the Karnataka assembly from Shikaripura in 1983 and went on to win the seat six times. He served as leader of the opposition in 1994 and 2004. In 2006, he became deputy chief minister in a coalition govt headed by H D Kumaraswamy. In November 2007, he briefly served as chief minister for seven days. In 2008, he led the BJP to victory with 110 seats, forming the party's first govt in south India. He served as chief minister from 2008 to 2011 before resigning following the Lokayukta report. After a brief split and return to the BJP, he again assumed office as chief minister in 2018 and 2019, leading the state during the Covid-19 pandemic. He stepped down in 2021 after turning 75 but continues to play an active role in party affairs with his son B Y Vijayendra now heading the party. In 2011, Yediyurappa was jailed and convicted in cases alleging illegal de-notification of land. The Karnataka High Court later set aside the conviction and related prosecution orders. More recently, he was summoned by a special court in a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act following allegations of sexual assault of a 17-year-old at his Bengaluru residence. The high court declined to quash the case but granted interim relief from personal appearance. No arrest has been made. Vijayendra said Yediyurappa rose in politics without any family background and expanded the party's rural base, helping it shed the perception of being confined to urban centres.