BS Yeddyurappa begins his speech at Freedom Park, Bangalore.

A composed Yeddyurappa starts off by thanking all the people gathered there. "This is the most unforgettable moment of his life. My 40-year association with the BJP comes to an end today, but  I have 40 persons sitting here who will win the election under the KJP banner.

"Since the past one month I have been touring the state and people have shown me support and love. People address me as 'their' Yeddyurappa. I have got the blessings of both the young and the old.

"I started off from a worker in the party and reached the top. I became CM with your blessings. But I have been backstabbed. My partymen made me a criminal. They bad mouthed me with the party senior leaders.

"I quit the CM's post with the support of 75 MLAs. I could have bargained. I said I will come back with support of people. I was an honest leader. I was under immense pressure not to quit. But I did it for the people.

"I want to tell you that I not happy today, but I have a responsibility to the people. I have to serve the people.

"I was at a temple earlier where I sought forgiveness. I told God, 'bless me, please help me serve the people'. I broke down very badly today. But I mustered up courage to come here and speak before you.

"When Hiroshima was bombed, people said nothing would grow there. But it flourished. I have been let down and destroyed like how Hiroshima was, by my own party men. But like Hiroshima I shall flourish and Karnataka will grow under me.

"I appeal to all religions to join me. I have not differentiated between Muslims, Christians and Hindus. I have been secular always." -- Vicky Nanjappa from Freedom Park, Bangalore