Amit Shah hails Yediyurappa as architect of BJP's rise in South India
Synopsis
Home Minister Amit Shah used a felicitation event in Chitradurga to frame B.S. Yediyurappa not just as a Karnataka leader but as the man who cracked open South India for the BJP — crediting his grassroots grind, farmer advocacy, and Emergency-era sacrifice as the foundation of the party's southern footprint.
Key Takeaways
Amit Shah addressed the 'Abhimanotsava' event in Chitradurga, Karnataka on 9 May , felicitating B.S.
Yediyurappa for 50 years in public life.
Shah credited Yediyurappa with bringing the BJP to power in Karnataka in 2008 , calling it the party's gateway to South India.
Yediyurappa began his career as a clerk in a rice mill and went on to become Karnataka Chief Minister four times .
Shah recalled Yediyurappa's imprisonment in Shivamogga and Ballari jails during the Emergency for defending democracy.
The 'Bagair Hukum' movement and padayatras covering thousands of kilometres were cited as proof of his commitment to farmers' rights .
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday, 9 May paid tribute to former Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, calling him the architect of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) expansion in South India and describing his five-decade political journey as a model for aspiring politicians. Shah was speaking at the 'Abhimanotsava' event in Chitradurga, central Karnataka, organised to felicitate Yediyurappa on completing 50 years in public life.
Shah's tribute to a five-decade journey
Home Minister Shah said Yediyurappa's career would be recorded in the annals of Indian political history.
Point of View
Not Delhi diktat. Yediyurappa's complicated relationship with the BJP's central leadership — he was once pushed out and formed his own party — makes Shah's 'golden letters' framing all the more deliberate. With Karnataka under Congress rule and the BJP seeking a credible regional narrative ahead of future elections, rehabilitating Yediyurappa's legacy serves both historical and strategic purposes.
NationPress
9 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the 'Abhimanotsava' event held in Chitradurga?
The event was organised in Chitradurga, Karnataka, to felicitate B.S. Yediyurappa on completing 50 years in public life. It brought together political leaders and seers from different faiths to honour his contribution to Karnataka and the BJP.
What did Amit Shah say about Yediyurappa's role in BJP's growth in South India?
Shah said Yediyurappa opened the doors of South India for the BJP by bringing the party to power in Karnataka in 2008, at a time when many believed the party could never grow in the region. He said Yediyurappa's name would be written in golden letters in the history of Indian politics.
What is the 'Bagair Hukum' movement associated with Yediyurappa?
The 'Bagair Hukum' movement was a farmers' rights campaign led by Yediyurappa, during which he undertook padayatras covering thousands of kilometres despite scepticism about his chances against the Congress. It established him as a major farmers' leader in Karnataka.
What is Yediyurappa's background before entering politics?
Yediyurappa began his career as a clerk in a rice mill, with no political lineage. He started his political journey as a member of the Shikaripura municipality and built the BJP organisation across Karnataka by travelling to villages by bus and bicycle.
What role did Yediyurappa play during the Emergency?
According to Amit Shah, Yediyurappa was imprisoned in Shivamogga and Ballari jails during the Emergency period for fighting to protect democracy. Shah said his contribution to that struggle would always be remembered.
