Gowda quits, paves way for CM Shettar

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BJP leader Jagadish Shettar, who is all set to take over as the new chief minister of Karnataka, emerges from his residence

Karnataka chief minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda, as expected, handed in his resignation to BJP president Nitin Gadkari on Sunday, paving the way for a change of guard, making rural development minister Jagadish Shettar the new chief minister — the third in four years. The BJP top brass hopes this will restore peace in the faction-ridden state unit.
Mr Gowda’s exit means former chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa has had the last laugh in the power struggle which had split the BJP into rival factions. By ensuring a fellow Lingayat community leader is made CM, Mr Yeddyurappa — who gave up his dream of regaining the CM’s post after a CBI inquiry was announced against him — has ensured he will continue to have his say when the party faces the 2013 Assembly polls.
Mr Gowda is likely to give his resignation to governor H.R. Bhardwaj on Tuesday, after which Mr Shettar will stake claim to forming the next government.
Announcing the decision to replace Mr Gowda, Mr Gadkari said: “In view of the current political situation, Mr Gowda handed over his resignation to me. In his tenure, he did good work and the performance of our government was very good. There were no complaints against him on grounds of corruption. Keeping the party’s interest in mind, as a good party worker, he has resigned. Our party has decided to hand over the leadership to Jagadish Shettar”.