LM NEWS 24
LM NEWS 24

K’taka: Eshwarappa Rules Out Resigning

Karnataka Minister KS Eshwarappa on Wednesday ruled out resigning from the cabinet amid the opposition’s demand for his resignation and arrest over a case related to the death of a contractor.

“There is no question of me resigning from the post of Minister because of any reason. I have informed CM Bommai and the party president that there is no question of me resigning as a minister,” said KS Eshwarappa, Karnataka Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj.
Demanding an investigation into the matter, Eshwarappa termed the incident a “conspiracy”.

“The conspiracy behind the death should be probed. Did he die on his own or for some other reason must be investigated,” Eshwarappa said.

Contractor Santosh Patil, who died by suicide, has purportedly left a WhatsApp message alleging corruption by Eshwarappa.

The Minister defended himself by saying that “no death note was found near the body” and questioned the legality of considering a WhatsApp message.

Denying any relation to the contractor, Minister added, “Officially no work order has been issued to him.”

“I have not seen his (Santosh Patil) face but as you (reporters) are saying that he often travelled to Delhi. It should be probed who booked his flight tickets and why,”

As opposition Congress launched a scathing attack on the Minister over the alleged death by suicide, Eshwarappa said “I want to ask the Congress, did you, when in power, release payment without a work order.”

“Congress leaders Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar know nothing. Whatsaap message cannot be taken as a death note,” said Eshwarappa.

The contractor had earlier alleged that Eshwarappa demanded commission for the release of funds for the civil works undertaken by him at Hindalga village in Belagavi district ahead of a festival.

The 37-year-old contractor allegedly committed suicide in a lodge in Udupi on the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday by consuming some poisonous substance, according to police.

The brother of the deceased contractor Santosh Patil on Wednesday demanded the arrest of KS Eshwarappa and his close aides Ramesh and Basawaraj.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka Congress delegation led by state party chief DK Shivakumar, and former chief minister Siddaramaiah met Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot demanding the expulsion of Eshwarappa from the state cabinet as well as his arrest over the contractor’s death.

“FIR lodged against KS Eshwarappa. He and the other accused should be immediately arrested; a case must be filed under the corruption act… In his text message, (deceased contractor) Santosh Patil clearly blamed Eshwarappa for his death. The Minister and his PAs demanded 40 per cent commission. He wrote to PM Modi and met BL Santhosh and others. He categorically mentioned corruption. We demand that the case must be filed under the corruption act,” he said.

Referring to the purported social media message, the Congress leader said “In his WhatsApp message, he clearly said that Eshwarappa is responsible for his death. So Eshwarappa must be arrested.” (ANI)

0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

We use cookies to give you the best online experience. By agreeing you accept the use of cookies in accordance with our cookie policy.

Privacy Settings saved!
Privacy Settings

When you visit any web site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Control your personal Cookie Services here.

These cookies are essential in order to enable you to move around the website and use its features. Without these cookies basic services cannot be provided.

Cookie generated by applications based on the PHP language. This is a general purpose identifier used to maintain user session variables. It is normally a random generated number, how it is used can be specific to the site, but a good example is maintaining a logged-in status for a user between pages.
  • PHPSESSID

Used on sites built with Wordpress. Tests whether or not the browser has cookies enabled
  • wordpress_test_cookie

In order to use this website we use the following technically required cookies
  • wordpress_test_cookie
  • wordpress_logged_in_
  • wordpress_sec

Decline all Services
Accept all Services
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x