Bangalore: Senior BJP leader Basavaraj Bommai has been elected as the next Chief Minister of Karnataka, and will replace BS Yediyurappa as the 20th Chief Minister of the state.
Basavaraj Bommai, a prominent Lingayat community leader in Karnataka, was appointed to the top post in the presence of outgoing CM BS Yediyurappa on Tuesday during a legislature party meeting in Bengaluru chaired by the central leadership. Karnataka BJP observer and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced Basavaraj S Bommai as the next Chief Minister.
After his appointment Bommai told the media, “It is a big responsibility in the given situation. I will try to work for the welfare of the poor. It will be rule for the people and pro-poor people. Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot told me Invited. To form the government. I will take oath on July 28 at 11 am.’
All About Basavaraj Bommai – Son of former Karnataka Chief Minister SR Bommai
Though Basavaraj joined the BJP in 2008, his family’s political history dates back to the 1980s. Basavaraj Bommai, 61, is the son of former Karnataka Chief Minister SR Bommai, who held the office for a brief period in the 1980s, making a huge difference in Indian politics.
Born on 28 January 1960 in Hubli, Basavaraj Sadar belongs to the Lingayat community. He studied mechanical engineering and worked for three years at Tata Motors in Pune, then became an entrepreneur and later joined politics.
Talking about the family, Bommai is married to Chennamma and they have a son and a daughter.
From Janata Dal To BJP – Basavaraj’s Political Journey
Basavaraj joined BJP in the year 2008 and since then he has not looked back. Basavaraj Bommai is a two-time MLC and three-time MLA from Shiggaon in Haveri district of central Karnataka. He has also been the leader of the BJP Legislature Party in Karnataka.
He began his political journey with the Janata Dal and was a member of the Karnataka Legislative Council twice (1997 and 2003). He was also the Political Secretary to Chief Minister JH Patel and Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Council.
Bommai left Janata Dal (United) and joined BJP in February 2008 and was elected MLA from Shiggaon constituency of Haveri district in the assembly elections held in the same year. After this, he was elected from this seat in the 2013 and 2018 assembly elections as well.
‘Caste Card’: The Jackpot in Karnataka Politics
Basavaraj’s caste, educational qualification, administrative ability and proximity to Yeddyurappa and BJP central leaders are being cited as the main reasons for his selection for the post.
Both Bommai and Yediyurappa come from the influential Veerashaiva-Lingayat community. The community accounts for 16-17 per cent of the state’s total population and is seen as a strong vote bank of the BJP. This caste card is being seen as a big reason for his being elected CM, as it will not cause any resentment in the community.
Also Bommai is considered closest to Yeddyurappa. Not choosing Yeddyurappa’s favorite at this time could have cost the BJP heavily. The party could not afford to offend Yeddyurappa.
In the Yediyurappa-led government, Bommai held the state’s home ministry, law and parliamentary affairs as well as the legislative minister of Karnataka.
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