Marking 50 years of former Chief Minister B. S. Yediyurappa’s political journey, a special programme titled “Abhimanotsava” will be held at Chitradurga on May 9. Leaders and party workers from Mysuru will attend the event in honour of the veteran leader, who was instrumental in bringing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to power for the first time in South India, party leaders said here on Tuesday.

BJP spokesperson M. A. Mohan said the programme is being organised to celebrate Mr Yediyurappa’s contributions of over five decades. Party workers from across the region, including Mysuru district, are expected to participate in large numbers, he added.

Mr. Mohan said Mr. Yediyurappa’s contributions to Mysuru district are immense, and specifically mentioned the “Bhagyalakshmi” welfare initiative.

City BJP president L. Nagendra said party workers from all three constituencies in the city will attend the event in Chitradurga. He described it as a major programme celebrating the contributions of Mr. Yediyurappa, who played a crucial role in building the BJP in Karnataka.

Mr. Mohan and Mr. Nagendra also commented on political developments in other States. They said the BJP’s victory in West Bengal reflects public dissatisfaction with the rule of Mamata Banerjee, adding that democracy would be strengthened in the State.

Mr. Mohan also welcomed the people’s mandate for actor and TVK founder Vijay in Tamil Nadu.