BS Yediyurappa Celebrates 84th Birthday, Marking 50 Years in Public Service
Bengaluru: BS Yediyurappa, the veteran BJP leader widely credited with spearheading the party's rise to prominence in south India, turned 84 on Friday, commemorating an impressive five decades in public life. The political stalwart remains a central and influential figure in Karnataka politics and within the national structure of the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Birthday Celebrations in Shikaripura
Festivities were held in his hometown of Shikaripura in Shivamogga district, featuring a program at the Ekalavya Stadium and Kumadvathi College. The event was 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. Additionally, seers from prominent mutts in central Karnataka graced the occasion.
Govind Karjol announced that a state-level event to mark Yediyurappa's 50 years in politics will soon be organized in Chitradurga. This celebration is pending final consultations with religious seers and close associates of the leader.
Personal and Religious Observances
Yediyurappa began his birthday with special prayers and participated in a puja at his residence. Later, he visited the Hucchurayaswamy temple with family members, including his sons BY Raghavendra, the Shivamogga MP, and BY Vijayendra, who currently serves as the president of the Karnataka BJP.
Greetings poured in from various political figures, including Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy of the JD(S), BJP MP and former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, and many others, highlighting his widespread respect across party lines.
A Storied Political Journey
Born in 1943 in Bookanakere village of Mandya district, Yediyurappa initiated his political journey with the RSS and Jan Sangh before ascending through the ranks of the BJP. He was first elected to the Karnataka Legislative Assembly from Shikaripura in 1983 and went on to win this seat six times, demonstrating his enduring popularity.
His career milestones include serving as the Leader of the Opposition in 1994 and 2004. In 2006, he became the Deputy Chief Minister in a coalition government headed by HD Kumaraswamy. A significant moment came in November 2007 when he briefly served as Chief Minister for seven days.
The year 2008 marked a historic achievement as Yediyurappa led the BJP to victory with 110 seats, forming the party's first government in south India. He served as Chief Minister from 2008 to 2011 before resigning following the Lokayukta report.
Later Tenures and Continued Influence
After a brief split and subsequent return to the BJP, Yediyurappa again assumed office as Chief Minister in 2018 and 2019, leading the state through the challenging Covid-19 pandemic. He stepped down in 2021 upon turning 75 but continues to play an active and pivotal role in party affairs, with his son B Y Vijayendra now heading the Karnataka BJP.
Legal Challenges and Resilience
In 2011, Yediyurappa faced legal troubles, including jail time and conviction in cases alleging illegal de-notification of land. However, 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, and no arrest has been made to date.
Legacy and Impact
Vijayendra emphasized that Yediyurappa rose in politics without any family background and significantly expanded the party's rural base. His efforts helped the BJP shed the perception of being confined to urban centers, cementing its presence across Karnataka.
As BS Yediyurappa celebrates this milestone, his legacy as a key architect of BJP's success in south India remains firmly etched in the annals of Karnataka's political history.
