Tears roll down Karnataka chief minister Yeddyurappa’s cheeks

Four-hour-long event at the Palace Grounds to celebrate the second anniversary of the BJP government assuming charge in the state witnessed a weeping chief minister, and the attempt of a farmer to commit suicide. In a speech high in rhetoric, Yeddyurappa asked the Opposition what sin they were punishing him for.

It was meant to be an occasion for celebration, but the audience got more than they ever imagined — an emotional chief minister BS Yeddyurappa, expressing concern at the plight of the state’s farmers while addressing the ‘Sadhana Samavesha’ to commemorate the completion of the BJP government’s second year in office, burst into tears. Feeling hounded and cornered, the chief minister blamed the opposition for being disruptive and unsupportive as he attempted to steer the state to the path of development and prosperity.

The huge gathering at the Palace Grounds reacted with shock and surprise as tears started rolling down Yeddyurappa’s cheeks. The chief minister’s 30-minute address was emotionally charged, and he dwelt on the living conditions of lakhs of farmers in the state.
With a highly-charged pledge right at the opening of his address, he said, “I can write it in my own blood: I will not betray the people’s faith in me. I sat in the opposition benches for 30 years. Now, we have come to power. I will not criticise the opposition, but I find them always critical of me. I am ready to discuss matters with opposition parties. I am willing to accept all constructive criticism. Ultimately, serving the people is my goal. And for that, I would urge all political parties to shun cheap politics and sink their differences.”

Yeddyurappa said that he had undergone an ‘agni pariksha’ in the democratic set-up. “What sin have I committed?” the chief minister asked his Opposition, in a speech marked with rhetorical questions. “Why is the Opposition creating confusion in the minds of the people? I have not been lying to the people of the state. I am hurt by the allegations made against me by the Opposition, and the non-cooperation extended by those parties to the state government.”

The chief minister added that although the central leadership of the Congress party supports his endeavours, local Congressmen have been on a confrontational path.

Talking of the progress the state has made and listing the achievements of his government, Yeddyurappa said that under the Bhagyalakshmi scheme, nine lakh girl children were receiving benefits. The Stree Shakti Sanghas, Yeddyurappa explained, were working well, and the state has extended financial aid to them.
He added that although the government purchases power at nearly Rs7 per unit, it distributes it free to farmers; the government is making efforts to make the state self-sufficient in power over the next three years, Yeddyurappa said.

Alleging that the Opposition has been unable to digest the BJP government’s unique achievements, the chief minister said, “I challenge the Opposition. They can engage in any discussion on development issues,” the chief minister said.

He added that the state’s economy has been stable; there has been no shortage of funds, and there was nothing to hold progress in the state back.

Yeddyurappa asserted that the fruits of the development, the evidence of the work his government had done, would be clear in a matter of three years.

“I will not stick to power. Power comes and goes, but I will continue my duty to serve people. I will not offer any new assurances for the next three years of the term of the BJP government, but work to fulfill the promises already made in the budget,” the chief minister said.