Today Karnataka has safegaurded democracy: Siddaramaiah after 'victory'

New Delhi: Barely 55 hours after he took oath as the Chief Minister of Karnataka and promised to form BJP government in the southern state, B S Yeddyurappa resigned from his post, minutes before the much-awaited floor test today.

In an emotional speech in Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru that lasted for about 20 minutes, Yeddyurappa said it was his dream to be Chief Minister and work with Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the people of the country. "I will lose nothing if I lose power, my life is for the people," he said.

Soon after his address, Yeddyurappa walked out and headed for Raj Bhavan to submit his resignation to Governor Vajubhai Vala.

According to reports, the decision was taken by the BJP leadership that didn't want the party’s image to be tainted over horse-trading charges ahead of the 2019 general elections.

Yeddyurappa concluded his speech with a promise to "get 28 out of 28 seats in Lok Sabha".

Soon after B S Yedyurappa quit from the post, former Karnataka Chief Minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah said that the BJP's "Operation Lotus" to poach legislators from other parties has failed and democracy has won in Karnataka.

Siddaramaiah tweeted, "Today, Karnataka has safeguarded democracy! We have ousted corrupt and unconstitutional politics."

"With the proceedings live and every citizen becoming a pro-tem Speaker, democracy in Karnataka was saved -- for the time bring (sic)," tweeted former Union minister P Chidambaram.

"Poor Mr Yeddyurappa. When the puppeteers fail, the puppet falls and breaks," Chidambaram further said.

Congress's Randeep Singh Surjewala said that BJP's Mission "'Hijack Karnataka Assembly Failed' as People's Power won over 'Muscle Power'". “B S Yeddyurappa remains 2 day CM as the country predicted, breaking his own record of being 7 days CM," Surjewala said.

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee was quick to agree with Mr Siddaramaiah and said, "Congratulations Karnataka. Congratulations DeveGowda Ji, Kumaraswamy Ji, Congress and others. Victory of the 'regional' front."

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said, “All those who believe in democracy are happy.”

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was among the first ones who tweeted. In his Twitter the Aam Aadmi Party supremo said, “BJP's attempts to subvert democracy have miserably failed in Karnataka. BJP's lust for power through foul means stands completely exposed. Will BJP learn any lesson now?"

Kejriwal also appreciated the role played by the Supreme Court and said, "India's judiciary has risen to the occasion and has safeguarded our democracy."

"This is a big blow for the BJP and I think what they had been planning all along for 2019 has failed. They will now have to rethink and change their strategies," Dalit leader and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati said.

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor also reacted to the turn of events in Karnataka. He tweeted: "As I take off from Auckland, news comes in of BSY's resignation. That so many MLAs proved impervious to the BJP's blandishments is an encouraging sign for Indian democracy. And that the party with the highest percentage of votes will now form the government w/an ally is gr8 news!"

Congress's official handle posted, "Democracy has finally won the battle against the unholy politics of intimidation, corruption and lies. Congratulations Karnataka!"

Congress's Karnataka unit, too, called it a win not for any particular party, but for the state. "BJP's unconstitutional efforts to rule have failed. Their illegal means of manufacturing a majority stands exposed. Congress & JD(S) have fought & upheld democracy. Karnataka will now get a stable Govt that will focus on Development."

"Truth can never be defeated! Truth will always defeat a lie or liar!" said Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav.