ESHWARAPPA

ensure that forces conspiring against him be brought to light.

The resignation came even as the Congress continued to mount pressure on the BJP-led government to arrest Eshwarappa for harassing the contractor, saying that the fight against corruption would continue.

Eshwarappa’s supporters shouted slogans near the CM’s residence such as “Jai Sri Ram”, “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”, and “Anyaya (injustice)”.

Eshwarappa announced on Thursday that he would resign but was confident of coming out clean after the investigation into the suicide.

Santosh Patil, a Belagavibased contractor, right-wing

ESHWARAPPA SAID ON THURSDAY THAT HE WOULD RESIGN BUT WAS CONFIDENT OF COMING OUT CLEAN AFTER THE INVESTIGATION INTO THE SUICIDE.

leader and BJP worker, was found dead at a hotel in Udupi on Tuesday, barely two weeks after accusing Eshwrappa of harassing him for 40% commission to release funds for around ₹4 crore worth of work done.

A day before his body was found, a suicide note was sent by Patil as a WhatsApp message to his associates and a section of the media, holding Eshwarappa responsible.

Eshwarappa said it was a “conspiracy” to bring him down politically.

In a show of strength before the resignation on Friday, the minister left Shivamogga in a convoy of 10 cars and stopped at major towns and villages along the highway where he was stopped and felicitated by supporters.

The former minister also visited the Sri Siddaganga Matha, one of the holiest monasteries of the Lingayat community in Tumakuru, as well as a Ganesh temple in a convention hall.