Karnataka Governor H R Bhardwaj has appointed Jagdish Shettar as Chief Minister of the State. Mr. Bhardwaj on Wednesday invited him to form the Government after he was elected leader of the BJP legislature party. Mr. Shettar will be sworn-in tomorrow afternoon.

Earlier, The State BJP President K S Eshwarappa informed the Governor about his election and requested him to invite him to form the Government.

The Governor has accepted the resignation of outgoing Chief Minister D B Sadanand Gowda and asked him to continue till alternate arrangements are made. Speaking to media persons, Mr. Sadanand Gowda expressed hope that the party will stand united to face the elections next year .

Earlier, the national leaders of the BJP held discussions with the two factions of the Party to reach a compromise on government formation. Mr. Arun Jaitly and Mr. Rajnath Singh held discussions with the outgoing Chief Minister Sadanand Gowda and former Chief Minister Mr. B S Yeddyurappa on the issue.

Mr. Shettar and State Party President K S Eshwarappa have left for New Delhi to finalise the cabinet formation. AIR correspondent quoting party resources report that 32 Ministers are likely to take oath with the new Chief Minister.