Yediyurappa vows to strengthen BJP in rest of south India after being part of Parliamentary board

Bangalore, 17/8: Former chief minister B S Yediyurappa on Wednesday vowed to bring the BJP back to power in Karnataka and to strengthen it in the rest of south India, following his appointment to the highest decision-making body of the party ahead of the 2023 state assembly polls.

The appointment seemed like it had in some way brought back the glory that the state BJP strongman enjoyed during his heydays in power, along with the rare smile on his face, as many party leaders, legislators and ministers, including Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai made a beeline to his residence to congratulate and greet him. The BJP on Wednesday announced the appointment of the 79-year-old leader to its Parliamentary Board and Central Election Committee.

“I have been given a huge responsibility by the party’s leadership, I had never expected any position. After resigning as Chief Minister, my only aim was to bring the BJP back to power in Karnataka. When I spoke to the Prime Minister, he asked to focus on other south Indian states too,” Yediyurappa said. Speaking to reporters here flanked by Bommai and several party leaders, the former chief minister said he accepts the responsibilities given to him with utmost humility and will travel extensively, and strive towards bringing BJP back to power in Karnataka and strengthen it in other south Indian states.