Former Karnataka Minister and BJP MLA from Bellary Rural, B. Sreeramulu has announced his resignation from the state assembly. Talking to reporters in Bangaluru on Sunday, Mr. Sreeramulu said he is resigning from the assembly as his prestige has been damaged after his name figured in the Lokayukta report on illegal mining scam.

He has denied media report that he is planning to join Janata Dal (S) after his resignation is accepted. Reacting to the announcement made by Mr Sriramulu, state BJP President K S Eeshwarappa said that he will try to persuade Mr Sriramulu to withdraw his resignation.

Congress leader Siddaramaiah has termed it as a ploy by powerful Reddy Brothers to exert pressure on BJP leaders to induct them into cabinet.