Karnataka BJP is heading for another crisis as former Minister and Bellary Rural MLA B. Sriramulu, a close aide of the Reddy brothers, resigned as MLA.

Sources have said that more BJP MLAs may follow suit.

Announcing his decision to quit the Assembly seat at a press meet at Hotel Ashoka here at Bangalore, Sriramulu said he was resigning because his self - respect and honesty were being questioned as he was named in the Lokayukta report on illegal mining.

He visited Madikeri by road in the afternoon and personally submitted his resignation to Assembly Speaker K. G. Bopaiah at his residence. Briefing the media about the efforts made by him and the Reddy brothers to bring the BJP to power in the State and about his own achievements as Tourism, Textiles and Health Minister under different Ministries, Sriramulu said he was deeply hurt by the Lokayukta report on illegal mining which named him among others.

He said he had great respect for the former Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde who prepared and presented the report.

"I am completely innocent and have maintained an honest and transparent life throughout my political career spanning nearly 20 years. I will undertake a Swabhimaan Yatra throughout the State shortly," he added.

Sources say Sriramulu is expected to float a regional party and claims support of 15 MLAs. However, Sriramulu said that he will stay in the BJP till Sadananda Gowda is the Chief Minister. "I am not resigning from the party, till Sadananda Gowda continues as Chief Minister. We'll not disturb the party, we'll cooperate with him," he said.

Koppal bypolls: BJP Ministers in Nagpur
In view of the ensuing Koppal Assembly bypolls, some Ministers close to former Chief Minister B. S. Yeddyurappa flew to Nagpur to urge BJP National President Nitin Gadkari to contest the bypolls under Yeddyurappa.

Meanwhile, CM Sadananda Gowda, who was also scheduled to fly to Nagpur at 12. 30 pm, cancelled his trip at the last minute. Even as Sriramulu was addressing the press meet, Law Minister Suresh Kumar met DVS at the CM's official residence to discuss the probable ramifications of Sriramulu's resignation.

Courtesy: Star of Mysore

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