Bhardwaj accepted the resignation of D V 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 D V 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, BJP state president K S Eshwarappa had informed the Governor that the BJP Legislature Party elected Shettar as their leader and requested Bhardwaj to invite him to form the government, it added.