Bangalore:
The first thing you would notice about the man set to be Karnataka's new Chief Minister is his smile. If his predecessor BS Yeddyurappa had a stern and autocratic public image, Devaragunda Venkappa Sadananda Gowda, in complete contrast, is seen as affable and soft.
The man who will be the new CM seems to get along with everybody, and with life in general. He is close to Mr Yeddyurappa and both non-controversial and non-confrontational. At these time, with the BJP battling corruption charges and scrambling to hold on to its only government in the South, Mr Gowda's clean and low-profile image is being seen as a big plus. But his lack of administrative skills is being looked upon as the minus.
Gowda, 58, is the Member of Parliament from Udupi Chikmagalur and has been the state party president. He has also been an MLA and deputy Opposition leader. But, interestingly, never a minister before.
He is a Vokkaliga leader, has a law degree - and was a sportsman in college. The affable leader lists chatting with family and friends among his interests. He has one son - and so far has faced no allegations of corruption or nepotism, which led to Mr Yeddyurappa's ouster.