BasavarajBommai, a senior BJP leader was sworn-in as the 30th Chief Minister ofKarnataka by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot at a function held in the Glass Houseof Raj Bhavan on Wednesday. Basavaraj Bommai took oath in the name of God.
Hailingfrom socialist philosophy and now married to BJP principles, Bommai's politicaljourney marked a new milestone as he took oath as the Chief Minister. Bommaicompleted 60 years on January 28. Though he is sworn in as 30th chief ministerof Karnataka, he also would be considered as 23rd chief minister as many havesworn in as chief minister multiple times.
Hundredsof people thronged outside Raj Bhavan and cheered for him. The police andsecurity personnel had a tough time in controlling the crowd, while BasavarajBommai entered Raj Bhavan. Bommai's family members were at the Raj Bhavanbefore Bommai reached to witness the celebration.
Theswearing in ceremony was attended by the Union ministers Dharmendra Pradhan,Kishan Reddy, appointed as observers by the BJP parliamentary board, outgoingchief minister B.S. Yediyurappa, all top leaders of the state. Barring seniorCongress leader R.V. Deshpande, opposition leaders remained absent.
Bommai,a mechanical engineer, became the third chief minister from Mumbai- Karnatakaregion after his father S.R. Bommai and Jagadish Shettar. He attainedprominence after the 300 kilometer long Padayatra between Kalasa and Nargunddemanding implementation of Kalasa-Banduri project. He was also closelyconnected with former union minister George Fernandes.
Yediurappahad even chided Basavaraj Bommai in front of the media that he should not showhis face to him for not joining his new party KJP. Later, when Yediyurappareturned to BJP, Basavaraj Bomai became his favorite and earned respect byhelping him to sail through poignant attacks by the opposition leaders in thelegislative assembly.