Karnataka: BJP bows to Yeddyurappa, Gowda quits

New Delhi: Karnataka Chief Minister DV Sadananda Gowda has stepped down. After a meeting with BJP president Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi, Gowda has returned to Bangalore to demit office. BJP MLAs will formally elect Jagadish Shettar as the new Chief Minister on Tuesday. With this development, the non-stop political drama in Karnataka appears to be over, for the time being.

"I am resigning. I am an obedient servant of the party," Gowda said after resigning.

BS Yeddyurappa's former arch-rival Jagadish Shettar is his new choice for the Chief Minister. Ironically, back in 2011, he had opposed Shettar. Now the sides have changed. An ever smiling Gowda did not breathe fire at his ignominious exit. But he is a heavyweight from the powerful Vokkaliga community, and the BJP will have to accommodate him.

BJP MLAs will formally elect Jagadish Shettar as the new Chief Minister on Tuesday.

Ahead of the state elections next year, the BJP seems to have taken a calculated risk by giving in to Yeddyurappa. But the party's discomfiture is evident, and the opposition is rubbing hands in glee.

The question now is what the new Cabinet will look like. Sources indicate Gowda's demand for the state unit's presidentship may not be met. But he could be given a Rajya Sabha berth. And the party state-in-charge could be made Deputy Chief Minister. The caste equations are being thrashed out and two central observers Arun Jaitely and Rajnath Singh will be travelling to Bangalore to ensure the transition.

Nine revolts ever since the BJP came to power in Karnataka and 3 chief ministers in less than a year.

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