Karnataka minister Ramachandra Gowda quits cabinet

Bangalore : Karnataka Medical Education Minister Ramachandra Gowda, accused of a recruitment corruption, resigned from the ministry on Sunday.

“I have done so as per the direction of the Chief Minister,” he said while resigning.

Gowda has been facing criticism from the opposition parties as well as within the government for his alleged involvement in irregularities in recruitment of staff in two state-run medical colleges.

Gowda put his paper midnight Saturday (early Sunday) at 12.40 AM after he was asked to do so by Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa.

After putting his resignation letter, Gowda moved to Tirupati to offer prayers at the Lord Balaji temple.

“As per the directions of the chief minister, I have resigned,” Gowda said.

Since the Chief Minister had already left for a China trip, the resignation letter was sent to his residence.

Gowda said, “I met the Chief Minster yesterday and explained to him in detail about the controversy.”