No question of quitting: Eshwarappa

Deputy Chief Minister K S Eshwarappa on Wednesday categorically stated that there was no question of his resigning from the Cabinet following the Lokayukta police filing a FIR in connection with a disproportionate assets case against him.

Speaking to reporters, he said the Lokayukta has ordered a probe based on a private complaint. Hence, Opposition parties’ pressing for his resignation has no meaning. “Will Siddaramaiah resign as Opposition party leader if somebody files a disproportionate case against him,” he asked.

He said he has highest respect for the judiciary and will extend full cooperation in the probe. “Should one resign just because a complaint has been lodged? Opposition leaders should think whether it is fair to demand the resignation for such reasons,” he stated.

Asked why former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa was forced to resign, he said there were proper evidences for all charges against him and hence he resigned, he said.

On delay in taking action against BJP MLAs who took part in the KJP rally in Haveri, Eshwarappa, who is also BJP State President, said the party has decided not to take any hasty decision. Many of the MLAs like Lakshminarayana and Vishwanath have informed the party that they were forced to attend the rally.

As the MLAs are reconsidering their decision to identify with the KJP, the party wants to wait and watch for some more days, he said.