Bengaluru, April 23: Union Home Minister Amit Shah will felicitate veteran BJP leader and former Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa at a grand public event in Chitradurga on May 9, marking the completion of 50 years of his public life. The announcement was made by former Deputy Chief Minister and MP Govind Karjol at a press conference held at the BJP state headquarters, Jagannath Bhavan, in Bengaluru on Thursday.

Grand Felicitation Planned in Chitradurga

Amit Shah will inaugurate the felicitation programme and personally honour Yediyurappa at the event. A day prior, on May 8 at 6 p.m., a grand reception has been planned as a precursor to the main ceremony.

Organisers expect more than 10 lakh people to attend the felicitation programme. Dedicated teams have already been formed to manage logistics and ensure the smooth conduct of the event.

Chitradurga was selected as the venue owing to its central geographical location within Karnataka, making it accessible to attendees from all parts of the state, Karjol explained.

Groundbreaking Ceremony on April 26

The groundbreaking ceremony for the event venue will be held on April 26 at 10 a.m., marking the official commencement of infrastructure work, including the erection of the main stage, pandal, and other facilities.

BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra has been invited to the groundbreaking ceremony. Senior leaders including MPs, former MPs, MLAs, former MLAs, Members of the Legislative Council, and Opposition leaders R. Ashoka and Chalavadi Narayanaswamy are also expected to attend.

Yediyurappa's Legacy and Contributions

Yediyurappa, a BJP Central Parliamentary Committee member, has dedicated five decades to public service in Karnataka. He is widely credited with championing the cause of farmers, fighting for justice for the poor and marginalised communities, and advancing social equity across the state.

Karjol described Yediyurappa as a grassroots mass leader who built and strengthened the BJP in Karnataka through his own sustained efforts, distinguishing him from leaders who rely on external support structures.

Heads of prominent mutts, former chief ministers, serving ministers, writers, artists, and representatives from various sections of society are being invited to participate in the event, making it a broad-based people's celebration.

BJP Leadership Speaks on the Event

BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra stated that preparations are underway to celebrate Yediyurappa's 50-year political journey in a grand and meaningful manner. He noted that people across all sections of society appreciate the former chief minister's contributions to the state's development.

The event is being organised with the active participation of senior leaders including Prabhakar Kore, Govind Karjol, and B. Sriramulu. The official event logo was also unveiled at Thursday's press conference.

Also present at the press conference were BJP Yuva Morcha State General Secretary and MLA Harish Poonja, former MLA Anil Benake, State Secretary Sharanu Tallikeri, and former MLC Arun Shahapur.

With over 10 lakh attendees expected and Amit Shah leading the felicitation, the May 9 Chitradurga event is shaping up to be one of the most significant political gatherings in Karnataka in recent years, with broader implications for the BJP's momentum ahead of future electoral contests in the state.