NewDelhi: BS Yediyurappa resignation has created a short term vacuum in the state after newly appointed Governor Thawarchand Gehlot, accepted his resignation. While the BJP top brass is yet finalize a name for Karnataka’s CM post, many names are doing rounds as the coveted the post. But who will replace Yediyurappa is a million-dollar question right now?
BS Yediyurappa being a party veteran and one of BJP’s most known faces in southern India, tendered his resignation yesterday as Karnataka Chief Minister, ending speculation about the post. As per the sources party may opt for deputy CM posts as well to balance caste equation in the state.
Karnataka CM Yediyurappa announces resignation
Since, Yediyurappa hails Lingayat community which has solid vote base, the BJP high command is looking beyond a Lingayat face. BJP is sending Dharmendra Pradhan and G Kishan Reddy as observer and in charge to finalise the name along with meeting the party legislature. Meanwhile, Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP president JP Nadda held a meeting closed door meeting to discuss the situation where party’s Karnataka in-charge Arun Singh was also present. Here are the few names, doing rounds as front runners for the post:
Murugesh Nirani
The 56 years old BJP leader and three-time MLA from the Bilgi constituency, Murugesh Nirani, who comes from the Panchamshali sect one of the largest in the Lingayat community. Currently working as Minister for Mines and Geology in Karnataka.
Arvind Bellad
Arvind Bellad, two-time MLA from Hubli-Dharwad is the son of veteran RSS leader Chandrakant Bellad. He is an engineer and MBA from INSEAD in France. Bellad too hails from the Panchamasali Lingayat community.
Basavaraj Bommai
One of the confidants of Yediyurappa, Basavaraj Bommai, also hails from the Lingayat community is also a strong contender for the post.
CN Ashwath Narayan
The 52-year-old doctor Ashwath Narayan clean and educated image is his asset and he comes from Vokkaliga community. He is winning Malleshwaram, Bengaluru seat since 2008.
CT Ravi
CT Ravi comes from the Vokkaliga community. The 54-year-old is also the BJP national general secretary and a four-time MLA from Chikkmagaluru also branded as a Hindutva hardliner.
Pralhad Joshi
Pralhad Joshi a Brahmin face and four-time MP from Dharwad is presently working as Union minister of coal, mines and parliamentary affairs in Modi govt. He is said to be close to both Modi and the RSS as well.
B L Santhosh
BL Santhosh, BJP’s national organising secretary too is in the fray. Santosh is full-time RSS volunteer and a powerful figure in Karnataka politics.
