Amit Shah to attend Yediyurappa's 'Abhimanotsava' in Chitradurga on May 9
Synopsis
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to headline the 'Abhimanotsava' in Chitradurga on 9 May, celebrating 50 years of B.S. Yediyurappa's public life. With over 10 lakh supporters expected, 10,000 buses booked, and a West Bengal swearing-in reportedly prompting a schedule change, the event is shaping up as a major BJP show of strength in Karnataka.
Key Takeaways
Amit Shah will attend the 'Abhimanotsava' honouring B.S.
Yediyurappa in Chitradurga on 9 May .
The event has been rescheduled to 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. , reportedly due to a West Bengal CM swearing-in ceremony earlier that day.
More than 10 lakh supporters are expected; 10,000 buses and 45,000–50,000 cars arranged.
Two books on Yediyurappa's life will be released; 24 folk troupes will participate in a procession on 8 May .
Karnataka BJP President B.Y.
Vijayendra also condoled the death of former state BJP secretary Jagadish Hiremani .
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will attend the 'Abhimanotsava' event honouring former Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa in Chitradurga on 9 May, Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra confirmed on Wednesday. The event, marking 50 years of Yediyurappa's public life, has been rescheduled from the morning to 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. to accommodate a scheduling conflict.
Why the Event Was Rescheduled
Vijayendra told reporters in Chitradurga that the timing change was necessitated by the swearing-in ceremony of the new BJP Chief Minister in West Bengal, which is reportedly scheduled earlier that day. However, as of the time of the announcement, the official schedule for the West Bengal oath ceremony had not been publicly disclosed.
Scale of Preparations
Organisers have booked 10,000 buses to transport supporters to the venue, with an additional 45,000 to 50,000 cars and four-wheelers expected. More than 10 lakh supporters are anticipated to attend, according to Vijayendra, who said the response has already exceeded expectations. A large number of seers, pontiffs, and spiritual leaders from across Karnataka have also been invited to attend and bless the occasion.
Cultural Events and Book Releases
Former Deputy Chief Minister and MP Govind Karjol said the celebration in Chitradurga will be observed as a cultural festival of the state. Two books based on Yediyurappa's life — 'Kendavare: A Flower that Bloomed in the Lotus' and 'A Hunter in the Assembly' — will be released at the event. A ceremonial city entry procession for Yediyurappa is planned for the evening of 8 May, with 24 folk troupes participating.
Tribute to Former BJP Secretary
Vijayendra also expressed condolences over the passing of former Karnataka BJP state secretary Jagadish Hiremani, describing him as a dedicated full-time worker of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and a former member of the National Safai Karamchari Commission. At the time of his death, Hiremani was serving as the State Coordinator of SIR. Vijayendra noted that Hiremani had efficiently organised the birth centenary celebrations of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee across Karnataka.
What to Watch
The Abhimanotsava is widely seen as a significant show of strength for the BJP in Karnataka ahead of future electoral cycles, with Yediyurappa — described by Vijayendra as an unparalleled fighter, a farmers' leader, and a leader close to the poor — remaining a towering figure in the state's political landscape. The scale of attendance on 9 May will be closely watched as a gauge of the party's organisational capacity in the state.
Point of View
Where the party lost power in 2023. The reported link to the West Bengal swearing-in is notable: it positions the BJP as simultaneously managing a southern consolidation and a historic eastern breakthrough on the same day, amplifying the optics of both. Whether 10 lakh boots on the ground in Chitradurga translates into electoral momentum, however, depends on whether the party can convert symbolic gestures into organisational depth ahead of the next Karnataka assembly cycle.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'Abhimanotsava' event for Yediyurappa?
The 'Abhimanotsava' is a felicitation event organised to mark the completion of 50 years in public life of former Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa. It will be held in Chitradurga on 9 May from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., with Union Home Minister Amit Shah as a key attendee.
Why was the Abhimanotsava rescheduled from morning to afternoon?
Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra said the event was moved to the afternoon because the swearing-in ceremony of the new BJP Chief Minister in West Bengal is reportedly scheduled for the morning of 9 May. The official West Bengal oath ceremony schedule had not been confirmed at the time of the announcement.
How many people are expected at the Yediyurappa event in Chitradurga?
Organisers expect more than 10 lakh supporters to attend. Around 10,000 buses and 45,000 to 50,000 cars and four-wheelers have been arranged for transportation.
What cultural events are planned around the Abhimanotsava?
A ceremonial city entry procession for Yediyurappa is planned for the evening of 8 May, featuring 24 folk troupes. Two books on his life — 'Kendavare: A Flower that Bloomed in the Lotus' and 'A Hunter in the Assembly' — will be released at the main event on 9 May.
Who was Jagadish Hiremani, mentioned at the press conference?
Jagadish Hiremani was a former Karnataka BJP state secretary and full-time ABVP worker who also served as a member of the National Safai Karamchari Commission. He was the State Coordinator of SIR at the time of his passing, and was condoled by BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra.
