Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai’s announcement earlier this week that Karnataka Government will move a proposal to the Ministry of Civil Aviation to name the airport coming up at Sogane near Shivamogga after former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa has triggered an intense debate, especially on social media.
While many of the former Chief Minister’s political opponents and common people have opposed the move, a few welcomed it, considering Mr. Yediyurappa’s contribution towards developmental works in Shivamogga district, his home turf.
For the last few months, many within the BJP and a few seers had made the suggestion on naming the airport after Mr. Yediyurappa. A few other names figured too, including that of erstwhile ruler Shivappa Nayaka of Keladi. However, in a public meeting, the then Minister K.S. Eshwarappa argued that Mr. Yediyurappa’s name was suitable for the airport. He also took a delegation to the Chief Minister and submitted a memorandum for the same. Elected representatives of the district were part of the delegation.
