BSP Karnataka MLA N Mahesh (File Photo)
Serving a blow to the ruling Congress-Janata Dal Secular alliance government in Karnataka, N Mahesh, the lone Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) member of the cabinet resigned on Thursday. Mahesh said he is quitting for personal reasons and added that he will continue supporting the alliance in the state.
Surprised by the sudden move, Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy said he is in touch with the BSP to sort things out. The CM, however, refused to give details regarding what actually provoked N Mahesh to tender his resignation.
"That is their internal decision by their party. I don't know why he has taken that kind of decision. But I am in contact with them, I will sort it out," Kumaraswamy said.
After submitting his resignation to the CM, Mahesh said that he quit to focus more on his assembly constituency Kollegal and to strengthen his party ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
"There had been a campaign against me in my constituency that I have camped in Bengaluru and was not focusing on Kollegal. Also, there was a need to strengthen the party base ahead of the Lok Sabha elections," said Mahesh.
The BSP leader said he has not yet informed party supremo Mayawati about his decision to resign.
"No, I have not informed her. I have come before the media. Now I will tell Behenji (Mayawati)," said Mahesh, served as the minister for primary and secondary education.
