Amit Shah Hails B.S. Yediyurappa at 50-Year Public Service Event in Chitradurga

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday honored former Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa at the 'BSY Abhimanotsava' in Chitradurga, marking 50 years of his public life, and credited him with laying the foundation for the BJP's expansion in South India. Shah, who arrived from Kolkata after attending the West Bengal Chief Minister's swearing-in, called the day historic for the party, noting both its victory in West Bengal and Yediyurappa's enduring legacy in Karnataka.

Shah described Yediyurappa as a self-made leader who connected with people through meticulous personal notes on public grievances, recalling campaigning with him in three elections. Yediyurappa, in his address, credited public support for his journey from Shikaripur to the Chief Minister’s office and highlighted his agricultural budget and Bhagyalakshmi scheme as key achievements. He reaffirmed support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and pledged continued work for the party.

The event, attended by BJP State president B.Y. Vijayendra, Union Ministers Pralhad Joshi and V. Somanna, and former Chief Ministers D.V. Sadananda Gowda, Jagadish Shettar, and Basavaraj Bommai, also drew prominent seers including Vishwaprasanna Tirtha Swamy of Pejawar mutt and others from Suttur, Sirigere, and Shravanabelagola mutts. However, leaders of the Atihinduliga Mathadishara Mahasabha alleged discrimination, claiming seers from most backward classes were denied access to the main dais and seated separately.

Basavanagideva Swamy of Chalavadi Peetha and Pranavananda Swamy accused organizers of caste-based exclusion, saying police barred them from the main stage despite invitations. The BJP has not yet responded to the allegations. Shah, concluding his speech, reaffirmed the central government's commitment to build a theme park in honor of 18th-century ruler Madakari Nayaka in Chitradurga, a promise he made during the 2023 Assembly polls.

The BJP will leverage the event to reinforce its grassroots narrative in Karnataka ahead of upcoming elections, while party officials are expected to review the conduct of the program in light of the allegations. The Home Ministry confirmed Shah’s schedule will include consultations with State leadership on organizational strategy in the coming week.