Bhardwaj accepted the resignation of DV Sadananda Gowda as chief minister, a Raj Bhavan communique said.
'In exercise of the powers conferred under Article 164 (1) of the Constitution of India, the governor has accepted the resignation of the council of ministers of chief minister DV Sadananda Gowda with immediate effect and appointed Shettar as chief minister and invited him to form the government,' the communique said.
Gowda shall continue to function as chief minister along with his council of ministers till alternative arrangements are made, the communique said.
Earlier, Bharatiya Janata Party state president KS Eshwarappa informed the governor that the BJP legislature party elected Shettar as the leader and requested Bhardwaj to invite him to form the government, it added.