In the political landscape of Karnataka, the name B.S. Yediyurappa is not just that of an individual; it is a force. He is credited with building the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) stronghold in South India. Having embraced struggle throughout his life, he is famously known as the "Raja Huli" (The Royal Tiger).
Early Life and Family Background
B.S. Yediyurappa was born on February 27, 1943, in Bookanakere, K.R. Pete Taluk, Mandya District. His parents were Siddalingappa and Puttathayamma. Having lost his mother at the tender age of four, he later migrated to Shikaripura. He began his career as a clerk in a rice mill in Shikaripura, Shivamogga, and eventually started his own business ventures.
First Steps in Politics
Yediyurappa’s public life began through the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
1972: He entered active politics by being elected as the President of the Shikaripura Town Municipality.
1975: During the Emergency, he raised his voice against the Indira Gandhi government and was imprisoned. The days spent in Bellary and Shivamogga jails fortified his political commitment.
1983: He was elected as an MLA from the Shikaripura assembly constituency for the first time. Since then, Shikaripura remained his bastion for nearly four decades.
Struggle: His Greatest Asset
Yediyurappa witnessed more street protests and grassroots struggles than the corridors of the Vidhana Soudha.
Farmer Movements: Donning the green shawl, he conducted several thousand-kilometer-long Padayatras (marches) on behalf of farmers. His fight for "Bagur Hukum" farmers established him as a 'Raitha Nayaka' (Leader of Farmers) in the hearts of the people.
Building the BJP: It was his organizational brilliance that took the BJP from a mere two MLAs to the seat of power in Karnataka.
Four Milestones as Chief Minister
Yediyurappa is the only leader in the history of Karnataka to have taken the oath as Chief Minister four times.
First Term (2007): He took office as the first BJP CM of South India in alliance with the JDS. However, the alliance collapsed in just 7 days.
Second Term (2008–2011): He made history by bringing the BJP to power on its own strength. During this tenure, he launched popular schemes like Bhagyalakshmi and free bicycle distribution.
Third Term (2018): Although the party emerged as the single largest after the election, he had to resign within 2 days due to a lack of majority.
Fourth Term (2019–2021): After the fall of the coalition government, he assumed office again and successfully governed for two years.
The KJP (Karnataka Janata Paksha) Turn
Due to certain internal reasons, Yediyurappa left the BJP and formed the Karnataka Janata Paksha (KJP). This was a major reason for the BJP's setback in the 2013 elections. Later, in the interest of the party, he returned to the BJP fold.
Major Projects and Contributions
Agriculture Budget: He holds the distinction of presenting the country's first separate budget for farmers.
Bhagyalakshmi Scheme: A scheme providing financial security for the future of girls from underprivileged families.
Irrigation Projects: He initiated several lift irrigation projects in parts of Malnad and North Karnataka.
Development of Religious Sites: He emphasized the protection of culture and heritage by providing grants to various Mathas and institutions.
Retirement and Present Status
Having resigned from the post of Chief Minister in 2021, Yediyurappa has currently retired from active electoral politics. He is presently serving as a member of the BJP Parliamentary Board, providing guidance to the party at the national level.
B.S. Yediyurappa is not just a leader of the Lingayat community; he is a statesman who stood for the protection of a peaceful society for all. Even today, he remains the supreme leader of the BJP in Karnataka. His life of struggle serves as a profound lesson for the next generation of politicians.