The Ruling BJP in Karnataka has plunged into a fresh crisis after eight ministers close to former Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa handed over their letters of resignation to him last night. It followed day-long consultations held by Yeddyurappa at his residence with his loyalist ministers and MLAs. Yeddyurappa told them at the meeting that in the event of their resignation, he would also quit his assembly membership and a decision would be taken on the issue by tomorrow. The letters of resignation are addressed to the Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda.

A Minister, closely associated with the dissidents headed by Yeddyurappa said that at least 15 MLAs have also submitted their resignation letters addressed to the Assembly speaker K G Bopaiah.

The move came a day after the Supreme Court ordered a probe by the CBI against Yeddyurappa for nepotism, illegal land acquisition and favouring top mining companies. The Supreme Court had asked the CBI to file its report by 3rd August. The allegations pertain to Prerna Trust managed by members of Yeddyurappa's immediate family who received a big donation by the mining company favoured by him.