I've been backstabbed, portrayed as criminal: Yeddyurappa

Former Karnataka chief minister B S Yeddyurappa chose not to target his political opponents in his speech at the Freedom Park in Bengaluru.

A mellow Yeddyurappa spoke to the point about his future plans and his new party the Karnataka Janata Party.

Excerpts from B S Yeddyurappa's speech:

My 40-year association with the Bharatiya Janata Party comes to an end today. Today is an unforgettable day for me and I would say it is the saddest day of my life. I am not happy, but I had to make this decision as I was left with no choice. It is time to make a new beginning today and the state of Karnataka will flourish under the Karnataka Janata Party.

We will contest all the 226 seats in the forthcoming elections. We will win more than 40 seats for sure. Our party will make a difference to the state of Karnataka. I have with me 40 persons sitting here in this rally. 

I have been touring the state and say with confidence that I have the love and blessing of all people. When they look at me they say, 'our Yeddyurappa has come'.

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I have come up the ranks with a lot of difficulty. I must recollect this incident... when I was part of the Town Muncipal Council I was assaulted from behind by an opponent. I was taken to hospital and when I opened my eyes, my wife was standing by my side. I said to her, 'don't worry, I won't die, I have to live for the people of Karnataka'.

Today I feel as though I have been assaulted very badly by my former party colleagues. I will say the same thing; I won't die, I will live for my people. I have been backstabbed and my own party made me out to be a criminal.

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When I quit the post of chief minister I had with me 75 MLAs. I could have told them that I won't step down as I have so much support. But I am a disciplined soldier of the party. I chose to step down and honour what my leaders were telling me to do.

This morning when I visited the temple, I told god to forgive me if I had hurt anyone. I prayed that I be given strength. I broke down badly, but I mustered the courage and came before all of you.

Like how Hiroshima was bombed, I was beaten down too by own party. But remember Hiroshima flourished and I shall too and ensure that the state does too.

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I have always been secular; when I was the chief minister I showed no signs of favoritism towards any religion. I, today, appeal to people of all religions to join me. Please come to Haveri on December 9 in large numbers. Spend your own money and join me at the party launch. Please give me your time and support.

Yeddyurappa is a born fighter. He will lead Karnataka once again. I have been accused of various offences. I am innocent and will come out clean. I can write it with my own blood and tell you that I am clean. Time will tell and prove my innoncence, he said before he set out on his rally to Vidhan Soudha to tender his resignation.

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