Sriramulu revolt against BJP fizzles out, plans to withdraw resignation

Former minister Sriramulu’s revolt against the BJP government has fizzled out. The close associate of Reddy brothers, who tendered his resignation to state assembly membership on August 4, is likely to withdraw his resignation on Wednesday.

The former health minister had personally submitted his resignation to speaker KG Bopaiah and had announced to launch ‘Swabhimana Yatre’ in northern Karnataka,  to exert pressure on the chief minister to induct the Reddys into the cabinet. But the sudden turn of events that led CBI raids on the Reddys’ bastion and arrest of former tourism minister Janardhana Reddy sent Sriramulu’s plans for a toss.

With the Reddys struggling for survival and CBI extending its investigation into their alleged illegal mining through Associated Mining Company (AMC) in Karnataka too, the revolt of Sriramulu lost steam even before the launch of his yatra.

Speaker Bopaiah’s reluctance to accept the resignation in a hurry as he sought clarifications on the reasons for Sriramulu’s resignation has saved the Reddys’ trusted lieutenant. The continued efforts of chief minister DV Sadananda Gowda through transport minister R Ashoka is said to have yielded desired results.

According to BJP sources, Sriramulu is likely to withdraw his resignation on Wednesday. This would bring a big relief for chief minister Gowda, as Sriramulu’s yatra plans had threatened to precipitate yet another crisis for the BJP government.