Ex-minister Shivanna quits JD(S)

 Former minister M Shivanna, popularly known as ‘Kote Shivanna’, on Thursday announced that he has resigned from the JD(S).

 In a press meet held here on Thursday, Shivanna said that he was disappointed as there are no activities in the party and he has not been given any responsible position. “I have worked hard to strengthen the party. My appeals to the leaders to give me a responsibility in the party didn’t elicit any response. Hence, I have sent my resignation to JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda by fax,” he said.  Shivanna said that he has not decided on joining any party and would act as per the advise of his supporters. JD(S) State working president C Raju Gowda also tendered his resignation.

Shivanna started his political career in 1978. In 1985, he was elected to Assembly for the first time from H D Kote constituency from Congress. The then chief minister S M Krishna inducted Shivanna to ministry in 1999. He held various portfolios including Kannada and Culture, Horticulture and Irrigation. Shivanna had joined JD(S) in 2008.