Cometh new term, cometh new name: Meet CM Yediyurappa

Bookanakere Siddalingappa Yediyurappa was sworn in as Karnataka’s 25th chief minister on Friday and he will have to prove his majority on July 29, which will be the immediate challenge for the new BJP government.

“On Monday, we will move a confidence motion, following which the Finance Bill will be tabled,” Yediyurappa said in his maiden news conference after chairing a customary meeting of the Cabinet at Vidhana Soudha.

The Yediyurappa-led BJP currently has a strength of 106 members, including an Independent legislator.

During the floor test, the BJP will have to make sure the Congress-JD(S) coalition tally remains restricted to 99 or 100 by ensuring that 16-17 MLAs, including the rebels, abstain.

The rebel MLAs, currently holed up in Maharashtra, have apparently assured the BJP that they will not back out.

The BJP camp is confident that it will prove its majority on the floor of the House on Monday, which will give the government a six-month breather before another floor test is to be undergone.

The 76-year-old Yediyurappa was administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor Vajubhai R Vala, making him the chief minister for the fourth time. The swearing-in ceremony started with the national anthem at 6.30 pm and lasted exactly six minutes. Yediyurappa took oath in the name of God.

Former governor Justice Rama Jois, former Union Minister S M Krishna, BJP MPs and MLAs were in attendance, including Congress’ rebel legislator R Roshan Baig.

Earlier in the day, Yediyurappa received a call from BJP national president Amit Shah, also the Union Home Minister, who signalled his clearance for the BJP to install its government.

Following this, Yediyurappa, in his capacity as Leader of the Opposition, headed to Raj Bhavan and formally staked claim on power.

Yediyurappa may head to Delhi to hold talks with the Central leadership on constituting his Cabinet.