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The Times of India
The Times of India
National
TNN

Karnataka: After high drama, KS Eshwarappa submits his resignation to CM Basavaraj Bommai

SHIVAMOGGA/BENGALURU: Karnataka rural development and panchayat raj minister KS Eshwarappa on Friday formally submitted his resignation to chief minister Basavaraj Bommai, ending his 33-month stint under two CMs. He had taken oath as minister in August 2019 when BS Yediyurappa was chief minister.

Eshwarappa, who is allegedly linked to the death of civil contractor Santosh K Patil, had announced his decision to resign on Thursday after giving into pressure from the party high command. The resignation letter will be forwarded to governor Thawar Chand Gehlot for acceptance, the CM's office said.

There were dramatic scenes since Eshwarappa left his house in his hometown Shivamogga early in the day to attend different public functions with his supporters, who had gathered in large numbers, trying to prevent him from stepping down. They demanded that he continue in office. Some of them also squatted on the road to block his car. Police used force to evict them.

A group of women in tears asked him not to resign. They shouted slogans against Congress. Eshwarapa pacified them saying, it was his trial-by-fire moment, and he would come out victorious. "Don't you want it? So, don't cry," he told them. Hundreds of Eshwarappa's supporters were with him when he inaugurated a convention hall built by Kanakadasa Seva Trust in Shivamogga town to express their support. When he offered puja to Ganesha idol at the convention hall, Eshwarappa said he got a good omen and he could see it while he was praying.

On the way to Bengaluru from Shivamogga, Eshwarappa's supporters followed him in more than 100 vehicles and stopped at various places to meet his supporters and well-wishers. He also visited the Tumakuru Siddaganga Mutt and took the seer's blessings.

Before leaving for Bengaluru, Eshwarappa, who represents the Shivamogga assembly segment, addressed his supporters that he would come clean in the probe within two months and become RDPR minister again. "I have not done anything wrong and allegations against me are part of a conspiracy. I resigned only to avoid embarrassment to the government and the party. I am confident that I will come clean and return to the cabinet soon," Eshwarappa said.

"The conspirators may think they have won the battle, but they don't know that they will soon lose the war. I had resigned earlier to become state BJP chief. It is not the first time I'm quitting. We should fight together to give a fitting reply to the opponents," Eshwarappa said to a huge roar.

Defending his decision to quit the post, Eshwarappa said: "I'm accused in a suicide case involving contractor Santosh Patil. If I continue as minister, it gives the impression that I could influence the probe. Hence, I've decided to quit. The BJP brass must feel I have set a new precedent in the party to ensure that tainted persons would not continue in power."

Congress has decided to step up pressure by holding protests and dharnas in all districts from April 16 to 20 demanding the arrest of Eshwarappa.

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