Karnataka medical education minister, Mr Ramachandra Gowda, who is at the centre of a controversy over his alleged involvement in irregularities in recruitment of staff in two state-run medical colleges, resigned from the ministry on Sunday.
Mr Gowda sent in his resignation letter at about 12.40 am after he was asked by Chief
Minister, Mr B.S. Yeddyurappa, to do so. The minister was on his way to Tirupati to offer
prayers at the famous Lord Balaji temple.
"As per the directions of the chief minister, I have resigned," Mr Gowda told reporters.
Sources at the official residence of Mr Yeddyurappa said one of his daughters received Mr Gowda's resignation as the chief minister had already left on his China trip.
Mr Gowda said he met Mr Yeddyurappa on Saturday morning and explained to him in detail about the controversy.
By evening, Mr Gowda said he left for Tirupati and was near Kolar when Mr Yeddyurappa called on him and asked him to put in his papers.
"I returned to the city and sent in my resignation", he said, but declined to divulge his next moves remarking "wait and see".
Mr Gowda said his resignation need not be perceived as an admission of guilt in the
recruitment scam.
"I even now say there are no irregularities in it. The matter is before the court, I will await the court verdict," he said.
Mr Gowda's resignation comes a day before the state government is set to file its response
before the High Court on the issue, in the backdrop of the court expressing displeasure
over the contents of an affidavit filed by him last week.
The Minister has been facing allegations of irregularities in recruitment of staff in two
state-run medical colleges in the state.
Mr Gowda is the third minister to quit the 28-month-old BJP ministry in the wake of
controversies surrounding them.
Mr S.N. Krishnaiah Shetty was forced to exit from the ministry after alegations of his
involvement in land purchase and sale to Karnataka Housing Board surfaced.
Mr H. Halappa had to quit unceremoniously following rape charge levelled against him by
the wife of his friend.
The strength of Mr Yeddyurappa ministry has come down to 31 now.
The resignation comes on the eve of bye-election to Kadur and Gulbarga south assembly
constituencies.