BS Yediyurappa Breaks Down, Resigns As Karnataka Chief Minister

Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa declared in a tearful speech in which he talked about being tested constantly in the two years of his fourth term - possibly his last, given the BJP's age limit of 75 years for posts.

Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa broke down at a two-year celebration of his government today and announced his resignation, ending weeks of speculation raised by unrelenting calls for his removal by a section of the BJP in the state. Our tallest leaders, starting from Pt Deen Dayal Upadhyayaji, Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Atalji, Advaniji, Murali Manohar Joshiji have inspired me to dedicate myself to serve the nation. I have also received immense love and support of Modiji, Amit Shahji and Naddaji. "I have decided to resign. I will meet the Governor after lunch," Mr Yediyurappa, 78, declared in a tearful speech at the Vidhan Sabha premises, talking about being tested constantly in the two years of his fourth term - possibly his last, given the BJP's age limit of 75 years for posts. Soon after, he walked to the building next door to hand in his resignation. He will remain caretaker Chief Minister as his party decides on a replacement; sources say a decision could take two or three days. "I thank PM (Narendra) Modi, Amit Shah and JP Nadda. They gave me the chance to rule as Chief Minister despite being over 75. I had decided to resign some time back. I thought it best to resign today as we mark completion of two years in this term," he told reporters.