Eshwarappa refuses to step down; alleges conspiracy behind contractor’s death

Shivamogga: Karnataka Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister K.S. Eshwarappa refused to step down from his post on Wednesday. “There’s no question of resignation,” he said.

Eshwarappa alleged that there was a “conspiracy” behind Santhosh’s death. “I have asked the Chief Minister to conduct a comprehensive probe,” he said.

He further added that he would personally meet chief minister Basavaraj Bommai in Bengaluru in the next two days.

Eshwarappa said that the police had found only a WhatsApp message and there was no death note recovered at the scene. “Santhosh hasn’t written a death note. The message was typed on a WhatsApp message. There’s no handwriting, no signature,” he said. He also accused Congress of demanding his resignation without basis.

“Work order has to be issued, approvals have to be taken before carrying out any government work. How can anyone pay for works done without following any procedures?” he asked.

The minister said that he had filed a defamation case against Santhosh and a private TV channel. “Court had served notice to them in this regard,” he said. Further, he added that Santhosh may have taken his life fearing repercussions of the court case, though it was still early to know the exact cause.

Santhosh Patil, a contractor who had accused Eshwarappa of demanding 40 percent commission for a contract, was found dead in a hotel in Udupi on Tuesday morning. The incident had kicked up a political storm in the state.

Ever since Eshwarappa has been under immense pressure to step down. The opposition has been demanding his arrest and ouster from the cabinet post.

Earlier, Eshwarappa had cut short his Mysuru trip to return to Shivamogga to hold the press conference and to explain his point of view.

Sources said the BJP party high command had asked for clarifications from Eshwarappa on the matter. However, Eshwarappa denied that the party high command has demanded an explanation from him.

Explanations were also sought from Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and BJP state president Nalin Kumar Kateel separately, sources added.

Earlier, BJP National General Secretary CT Ravi had hinted at Eshwarappa’s resignation. He told reporters in Chikkamagaluru that the chief minister Bommai and Eshwarappa will take appropriate actions to avoid the public’s suspicion.