Karnatakawater resources minister Ramesh Jarakiholi on Wednesday resigned on 'moralgrounds' and also to 'avoid his party facing any embarrassment' after therelease of a CD in which he is allegedly seen in a compromising position with awoman.
Thisdecision came after the BJP high command sent him instructions to resign or beprepared to be sacked from the cabinet.
TheBJP high command was not willing to take the risk of dragging on this issue asthe party has taken the high moral stand in Maharashtra where the ForestMinister and Shiv Sena leader was forced to resign when his alleged love affaircame to light after a TikTok star committed suicide.
Besidesthis, the BJP is gearing up for elections in five states, while in Karnatakatoo the BJP will have to battle it out in three assembly by-polls and also fora Lok Sabha seat. Also, the month long Budget session will start on March 4.
Owingto these issues, the BJP high command met on Wednesday morning in New Delhi andgave strict instructions to its state unit leaders to ensure that Jarakiholiresigns.
Hisresignation letter has been accepted by Karnataka Chief Minister B. S.Yediyurappa and forwarded to Governor Vajubhai Vala for his approval, even asthe minister is repeatedly claiming innocence.
"Thereshould be an investigation into this 'fake CD case'. Even though I am innocent,I am taking moral responsibility and resigning from my post in thecabinet," Jarakiholi said in his resignation letter in Kannada.
Karnatakahome minister Basavaraj Bommai said that an inquiry will be conducted as perthe law adding that the Bharatiya Janata Party will take a decision on actionagainst Ramesh Jarkiholi.