Contractor suicide row: Karnataka Minister Eshwarappa announces resignation

A day after defying Opposition's demand for his resignation, controversial Karnataka Panchayat Raj Minister KS Eshwarappa announced his resignation from the cabinet. Police had booked Eshwarappa, and two of his associates, on suicide abetment charges in connection with the death of a BJP worker Santosh K Patil. The deceased contractor had blamed the minister for the drastic step.

Shivamogga (Karnataka): Controversial Karnataka Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, K.S. Eshwarappa, on Thursday announced his resignation a day after he had vehemently said that he will not quit. Eshwarappa, along with two of his associates, were booked by the police on suicide abetment charges in connection with the death of a BJP worker Santosh K Patil. The deceased contractor had accused the minister for the drastic step.

Addressing a press conference in Shivamogga on Thursday, Eshwarappa said he will submit his resignation to Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Friday. Eshwarappa is facing charges of abetment to suicide in connection with the death of the civil contractor in Udupi. "I have served as the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister in the Karnataka government. I have taken a decision today to resign from my ministerial position," he said.

Santosh, who was found dead in a hotel in Udupi, had accused the minister and his close aides of demanding a 40 per cent commission for executing a civic work in Hindalga village in Belagavi in 2021 ahead of a village festival. "I decided to resign because I don't want to put in an uncomfortable situation those who helped me rise to this position, such as seniors in the party, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and our national leaders," Eshwarappa added.

Stepping up pressure on the ruling party, Congress said mere resignation of Eshwarappa will not do and sought his arrest Referring to the case of abetment to suicide registered against Eshwarappa, Leader of Opposition in the assembly Siddaramaiah said his party also wanted him to be booked for graft.

The abetment to suicide is a heinous crime and not just a non-bailable offence. In all heinous crimes, accused person should be arrested but in Eshwarappa's case it has not happened, Siddaramaiah said. The senior Congress leader wondered whether special privilege has been accorded to the minister.

Earlier, Eshwarappa had rejected calls for his resignation over the issue, saying he was not at fault. Patil's death has triggered a major political row and demands from the opposition Congress for the resignation of the BJP leader or his dismissal from the Cabinet.