DVS Can Breathe Easy as Shankarappa Resigns as MLC

From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore

Bangalore, Oct 14: Karnataka Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda can breathe easy as the sitting ruling party MLC, N Shankarappa, tendered his resignation to the membership of the State Legislative Council paving the way for the former to become a legislator within the stipulated six months after becoming the Chief Minister.

Shankarappa, the sitting BJP MLC from Raichur, who was elected from the State Assembly, met the Council Chairman D H Shankaramurthy to submit his resignation letter. The Chairman accepted the resignation forthwith, which would result in a by-election that the ruling BJP can easily win by virtue of its majority in the Assembly.

Council Chairman Shankaramurthy confirmed that he has accepted the resignation of Shankarappa and would inform the Election Commission of India to facilitate a suitable date for holding the by-election for the vacancy.

Shankarappa, an advocate by profession, is being rewarded with the post of Chairman of the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission, which was remained vacant for over a year.

The State Backward Classes Chairman’s post enjoys the rank and perks of a Cabinet Rank Minister and has a tenure of three years.

“I will be appointed as chairman of the Backward Classes Commission. The post requires knowledge of law. I am a practicing lawyer with experience of over three decades,” Shankarappa said.

Sadananda Gowda was sworn in Chief Minister on August 4 and had to become a member of either house of the State Legislature within six months time from the day of assuming office.

The party wanted him to enter the Council rather than face an Assembly bypoll, which would have a term of less than two years.

The Chief Minister will now have to resign his Udupi-Chikmagalur Lok Sabha seat, which will have to go through a by-election for a term of little over two years as the next parliamentary elections are due in 2014.