Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, Jun 3: The Congress Party has demanded for the resignation of state Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, owning moral responsibility for the irregularities committed by his party in the recent Lok Sabha election. Energy minister K S Eshwarppa, by alleging that the government has misused its powers during the election, has brought out the truth and Yeddyurappa has to resign in view of this allegation, it said.

Addressing a press conference held at the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) office here on Tuesday June 2,  its working president D K Shivakumar said, that the BJP could get more seats as it fought on the basis of liquor and money distribution, misuse of power and playing the caste card. This has been admitted by senior leaders of the party in general and Eshwarappa, who represents Shimoga constituency, in particular. This has laid bare Yeddyurappa's facade. He should maintain his dignity by resigning immediately, he demanded.

"Eshwarappa, by bringing to the open the irregularities the chief minister committed in the election, has done what was expected of the party president. On behalf of the Congress Party, I congratulate Eshwarappa for doing this act. The information given by Eshwarappa has proved that all the cash and liquor seized during the raids by the election observers, belonged to the BJP. Therefore, the Election Commission should conduct investigation and take steps against BJP leaders immediately for the irregularities committed by them," he demanded. He also said that he would officially file a complaint with the Commission on Wednesday.

Shivkumar further informed that a delegation of his party will meet the governor to apprise him of the misuse of power and other irregularities and demand suitable steps against him.  At the same time, he clarified that the Congress Party has not been hatching any plans to destabilize the state government. The dissidence within the BJP is its internal affair and we have nothing to do in this regard, he clarified.

At the same time, JDS state president and MP H D Kumaraswami, through a statement issued at New Delhi on Wednesday June 3, demanded for the resignation of Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, as his own party leaders have admitted to the election irregularities. He also demanded for a thorough investigation into the alleged irregularities by the Election Commission.