Karnataka Minister for Sugar, Small Scale Industries and Muzrai Prakash B. Hukkeri, who was fielded in the Lok Sabha elections much against his wishes and emerged a winner, has resigned from the Council of Ministers. Governor H.R. Bhardwaj has accepted the resignation letter, which was forwarded to him by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
With the swearing-in of the newly elected members of the Lok Sabha set to commence this week, it is obvious that Mr. Hukkeri has timed his resignation from the Siddaramaiah government appropriately.
Incidentally, Mr. Hukkeri submitted his resignation to the membership of the Legislative Assembly, in the prescribed format, over the last weekend and Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Kagodu Thimmappa had conveyed his acceptance. The strength of the Congress in the Legislative Assembly has now reduced to 121 (including the Speaker).
The strength of the Council of Ministers is now 30, even as efforts are on to press for an expansion of the Ministry which can be raised to a maximum strength of 34, including the Chief Minister.
Mr. Hukkeri's exit from the Legislative Assembly will result in a byelection to the Chikkodi-Sadalaga Assembly seat. The Congress candidate is yet to be finalised and Mr. Hukkeri has demanded that his son be fielded from there.
