SHIVAMOGGA: RDPR Minister KS Eshwarappa said that he is resigning as a minister as it would be inappropriate to continue in that position when an investigation against him is underway. If found not guilty, he would be a minister again, he said, consoling his followers who asked him not to resign.
As he entered the BJP office here on Friday, Eshwarappa’s supporters urged him not to resign, but he said that he has to if he wants to prove his innocence. “Everyone faces a testing time. Those who conspired might have thought that they are victorious now. I am resigning to set an example for everyone in our organisation that I will not continue in the position till proven innocent,” he said.
Eshwarappa said that he had resigned as energy minister when the party asked him to and led the state unit of the party. “Today I am facing this allegation. At the same time, I am feeling happy and surprised after receiving such affection from different quarters of the society,” he said.
When he wanted to resign three days ago, CM Basavaraj Bommai asked him not to hurry, he claimed. “I spoke to our national leaders too. They respected my decision.Later, I announced my resignation. I am happy today not because of resigning from the ministerial berth but due to the confidence that I will be proven innocent,” he said.
“This is an ‘Agnipariksha’ and I will pass this test. Let us give a fitting answer to those who are politicising the issue. I am requesting all my sisters not to cry or else I will not go to Bengaluru. Send me off with a smile,” he requested the women supporters. Later, speaking to reporters, Eshwarappa said he is humbled by the support from former CM BS Yediyurappa, Bommai and all leaders of the party besides seers. “I am confident that I will come out of this conspiracy and will get justice,” he said.