Karnataka Medical Education Minister Ramachandra Gowda, who is at the centre of a controversy over his alleged involvement in irregularities in recruitment of staff in two state-run medical colleges, resigned from the ministry early Sunday.
Mr Gowda sent in his resignation letter at about 12.40 a.m. after he was asked by Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa to do so.
The Minister was on his way to Tirupati to offer prayers.
“As per the directions of the chief minister, I have resigned,” Mr Gowda told reporters.
Sources at the official residence of Mr Yeddyurappa said one of his daughters received Mr Gowda's resignation as the chief minister had already left on his China trip.
Mr Gowda said he met Yeddyurappa on Saturday morning and explained to him in detail about the controversy.
By evening, Mr Gowda said he left for Tirupati and was near Kolar when Yeddyurappa called on him and asked him to put in his papers.
Mr Gowda said his resignation need not be perceived as an admission of guilt in the recruitment scam.
“I even now say there are no irregularities in it. The matter is before the court, I will await the court verdict,” he said.
Mr Gowda's resignation comes a day before the state government is set to file its response before the High Court on the issue, in the backdrop of the court expressing displeasure over the contents of an affidavit filed by him last week.
The Minister has been facing allegations of irregularities in recruitment of staff in two state-run medical colleges in the state.
Mr Gowda is the third minister to quit the 28-month-old BJP ministry in the wake of controversies surrounding them.
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