New Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Basavaraj Somappa Bommai has taken oath as the Chief Minister of Karnataka today.
He was administered the oath of office by Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot at a swearing-in ceremony held at Raj Bhavan today.
Son of former Chief Minister of Karnataka SR Bommai, a mechanical engineering graduate and former Janata Dal (United) leader Bommai was appointed Karnataka Chief Minister by the BJP high command on Tuesday, a day after caretaker Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa tendered his resignation.
Born on January 28, 1960, Bommai belongs to the Sadara Lingayat caste, same as his predecessor Yediyurappa. The Lingayats is the largest community of Karnataka comprising nearly 17 per cent of the population and can determine the outcome in 35 to 40 per cent Assembly seats. The community has long backed the ruling party.
Former Karnataka Home Minister Bommai is a senior BJP leader and has previously handled many portfolios including Irrigation, Law, Parliamentary Affairs and Legislature of Karnataka in the fourth Yediyurappa ministry.
He has also served as Haveri and Udupi District Incharge Minister. He previously served as Minister for Water Resources and Cooperation between 2008 and 2013.
Bommai is known to be a close aide of Yediyurappa and his follower. Many in the BJP believe the announcement of Bommai as his successor is a win for Yediyurappa. Bommai is also known to have good contact with the party high command in Delhi as well as leaders of different communities in the party.
The three-time member of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly from Shiggaon since 2008 was a member of the Karnataka Legislative Council between 1998 and 2008.
