In a fiery critique of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, former chief minister and senior BJP leader BS Yediyurappa declared on Saturday his unwavering commitment to politics, vowing to fight until his last breath to ensure Siddaramaiah’s ouster by the state’s people.

Speaking at a public gathering in Mysuru, Yediyurappa remarked, “Chief Minister Siddaramaiah urged me to retire from public life. I will remain in politics until my last breath to guarantee your (Mr. Siddaramaiah’s) removal. Has any Chief Minister in the state’s history secured 14 plots for his family? He demands Rs 65 crore, claiming he will return it. Whose money is this?”

Highlighting Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s support for Siddaramaiah, Yediyurappa said, “Mr. Shivakumar’s misdeeds are catching up with him. You don’t know what’s coming for you (Mr. Siddaramaiah) or when. He dismisses State BJP President BY Vijayendra and Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka. Mr. Shivakumar should worry about his future,” Yediyurappa cautioned.

“The BJP and Janata Dal (Secular) are advancing together. The people will soon send you (Mr. Siddaramaiah) packing,” asserted the BJP leader. He issued a challenge, “Will you dissolve the government now and face the election? The BJP and JD(S) will win 130 to 140 seats and secure a majority.”

Yediyurappa accused the current administration of “open loot and daylight robbery.” He claimed that the people are tired of Siddaramaiah’s government, which shows no signs of progress. “The state has become impoverished under your rule. Not a single kilometer of road is being constructed. The chief minister and deputy chief minister are deeply involved in corruption and are incapable of managing the state’s administration.”

“I may be 82 years old, but I will tour the entire state and ensure your (Mr. Siddaramaiah’s) departure. I aim to end the Congress government’s corruption and misrule,” he asserted.

Yediyurappa also noted that while Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar criticize Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda respects him and discusses bringing change to the state. “The people need to bless the BJP and JD(S) to bring them to power,” Yediyurappa concluded.