BS Yediyurappa: The Lotus King of Karnataka and the man behind BJP's rise

Four-time Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa, one of Karnataka's tallest politicians, played a crucial role in establishing the BJP in the southern state. A politician with a mass appeal and a tall Lingayat leader became the CM whenever the BJP formed the government in the state.

The winning card for the BJP in the upcoming assembly elections lies with BSY alone, which makes him 'The Lotus King'. Though he has resigned from electoral politics, he has exuded confidence that the BJP will win the 2023 polls in Karnataka. He knows the party and the government machinery inside out.

On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi felicitated BS Yediyurappa during the inauguration ceremony of the Shivamogga airport. Then, PM Modi held the former Karnataka chief minister’s hand and both leaders walked hand-in-hand as photographers scrambled to capture the moment. This was meant to acknowledge BS Yediyurappa’s stature in Karnataka’s politics. And this is crucial ahead of the assembly election in the southern state.

In this inside story, we track the political journey, the rise and fall of BSY, and also why the saffron party has returned to BSY to push their prospects.