On Sunday, senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Karnataka chief minister, BS Yediyurappa requested the Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai to not name the Shivamogga airport after him. Instead, he urged the government to name the airport after other great personalities and illustrious figures who have contributed to the state.
In the letter to Karnataka’s chief minister, Yediyurappa wrote, “There are many dignitaries and patriots who have served in the development of the nation. In comparison to the contribution of these people, my contribution accounts for little. I feel fortunate and humbled that I have consistently tried to support and serve the people. Hence, I think my name is not appropriate for this new airport.”
This request by Yediyurappa came after there was an outrage at the Basavaraj Bommai-led BJP government’s decision to name the soon-to-be commissioned airport after him, instead of naming it after several other great leaders. It seemed like the government has overlooked several prominent leaders like one of India’s well-known and revered ports Rashtrakavi Kuvempu.
In the letter, Yediyurappa also said that he is grateful that the CM announced to name the airport after him. He also appreciated the fact that the CM quickly agreed to release the necessary grants to complete the long-standing dream of an airport in the Shivamogga district. Yediyurappa also extended his gratitude to all the legislators, legislative council members, organizations, and the leaders in the district.
Under the Union government Udaan program, the airport is expected to be ready by December 2022 and it will increase the air connectivity to the Malnad region which is currently dependent on either Mangaluru or Bengaluru for all the air travel. The airport is going to have the second-longest runway of 3,299 meters, till now the Bengaluru airport has the longest runway.
