2 Cong MLAs send resignations in Karnataka

Two Congress MLAs in Karnataka Monday sent in their resignations to the Assembly Speaker, dealing a double blow to the 13-month old wobbly government led by H D Kumaraswamy.

Hours after Vijayanagara Congress MLA Anand Singh submitted his resignation to Speaker Ramesh Kumar, his party colleague and rebel legislator Ramesh Jarkiholi too sent in his resignation.

The developments amid reports that some more MLAs of the national party were expected to resign soon caused jitters to the JDS-Congress coalition leaders with another phase of uncertainty looming large over the government's stability.

Chief Minister Kumaraswamy, on private visit to the US, said he was keeping a tab on the developments while the state Congress attacked the BJP, alleging the opposition party was trying to destabilise the government.

State Congress President Dinesh Gundu Rao, however, asserted there was no threat to the government and it would complete its term.

The resignations came just two weeks after Kumaraswamy expanded his cabinet on June 14, inducting two Independent MLAs R Shankar and H Nagesh as ministers in an apparent move to give stability to the government, which has been grappling with dissidence.

The developments unfolded with Singh initially saying he submitted his resignation letter at the Speaker's city residence, but Kumar denied it following which the MLA handed over a copy of it to Governor Vajubhai R Vala later.

"It is true that I have submitted my resignation," Singh told reporters emerging from the Raj Bhavan.

The Speaker's office later confirmed receipt of Singh's letter and said action would be taken as per the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of the assembly.

Meanwhile, Ramesh Jarkiholi's letter stating that he was resigning "voluntarily" surfaced and the MLA later confirmed it was he who had sent it to the Speaker.

Speaking to a local TV channel Jarkiholi said, "I have given my resignation today morning, I'm in Mumbai today, I have sent it through fax because Amavasya (new moon day considered inauspicious in Karnataka) begins tomorrow. I will personally give it (to the Speaker) tomorrow morning."
Asked about his earlier statement that some other MLAs would also resign with him, he said "Can't tell our plan. Wait, every thing will be clear."
He said the reasons for Singh's resignation were not clear to him, and he will try to convince him."Finally it is left to him."
His brother and state Forest Minister Satish Jarkiholi said "For last six months he (Ramesh) has been speaking about it (resigning), there is no need to be surprised about it. There is no use of convincing him (to stay back), it's his personal decision."