Yeddyurappa bats for 'framed' Halappa

"Halappa need not have resigned as a minister since he appears to have been framed by his political rivals," Yeddyurappa told mediapersons in Belgaum on Sunday.

Suspecting a well-hatched conspiracy, the chief minister said a probe will bring out the truth in the accusation. "The government and the party intends an impartial inquiry," he said. However, the chief minister refused to comment on the involvement of a BJP legislator in the episode stating that a final decision will be taken only after a meeting with the party leaders.

‘Insane’

Speaking to mediapersons in Hubli, Yeddyurappa said Opposition leaders demanding his resignation even after Halappa quitting office “have gone insane.” Yeddyurappa said it was for the first time in the history of independent India that a minister has resigned so quickly after some allegations were levelled against him.

Halappa put his papers down to save the government and the party from embarrassment and this would have positive impact on the performance of BJP in Gram Panchayat polls. The Governor has accepted the resignation, he said.

Investors’ meet

Yeddyurappa said the government expects more than Rs three lakh crore investment in the State during the the Global Investors’ Meet to be held in Bangalore on May 3, and 4. While signing the memoranda of understanding (MoU), it would be ensured that the investment is spread over all the districts, he said.