Even as B.S. Yeddyurappa was aware the BJP didn't have the requisite numbers to continue in power, his speech in the Assembly on Saturday, where he announced his resignation as Karnataka chief minister, witnessed a mix of contemplation, emotion, defiance and optimism.
Here are 10 highlights from his speech:
- Yeddyurappa said the scene of development in Karnataka would have changed if the BJP won 113 seats and the BJP would have made the state a 'paradise.'
- Yeddyurappa declared he would be a fighter till his last breath, whether it was in the ruling party or in the opposition.
- Yeddyurappa reiterated the importance of the mandate in the Assembly election, calling it final.
- He declared the mandate was against the Congress and JD(S).
- He criticised the JD(S)-Congress for 'confining' their MLAs, alleging they were not even allowed to meet their families and asked the parties whether they trusted their own legislators.
- Yeddyurappa emphasised the importance of MLAs exercising a 'conscience' vote in the face of the mandate.
- Yeddyurappa remembered the rise of the BJP in Karnataka from having two seats in its first attempt at the Assembly polls.
- He remembered his recent Parivarthana Yatra across the state, calling it a life-changing experience.
- Yeddyurappa highlighted his pro-farmer credentials, mentioning the farm loan waiver and availability of loans for irrigation.
- Yeddyurappa declared he would aim to win 120 seats in the next Assembly polls and win all 28 Lok Sabha seats for the BJP by criss-crossing the state.
(With inputs from Prathima Nandakumar)