State BJP president B. Y. Vijayendra said that former Chief Minister B. S. Yediyurappa did not rise to power by chance, but through decades of sustained struggle for the welfare of the poor, farmers, and the downtrodden in Karnataka.

Speaking to reporters in Mysuru on May 2, Mr Vijayendra remarked that while some leaders may have become the chief minister due to circumstances, Mr. Yediyurappa earned the position after spending nearly 45 years in the opposition. To honour his five-decade-long political journey and contributions, a grand convention has been organised in Chitradurga on May 9. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will participate in the event.