In Karnataka, the growing dissident activity within BJP in Karnataka has come to the fore again with eight Ministers submitting their resignation letters to the Chief Minister. After submitting the resignation letter, the Rural Development Minister Jagadish Shetter informed media persons that they have resigned as Ministers, as they are frustrated over delay in release of funds to their constituencies for development works.

He clarified that they are still loyal to BJP and will not resign as MLAs. He asked BJP national leaders to direct the Chief Minister to convene legislative party meeting to discuss problems faced by MLAs in their respective constituencies.

AIR Correspondent adds that MLAs loyal to Yeddyurappa, held frequent meetings since yesterday at the residence of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Jagadish Shettar. Yeddyurappa camp has portrayed Mr. Shetter as their choice to replace the present Chief Minister Sadanand Gowda.

Mr. Gowda had with the support of Yeddrurappa, defeated Jagadish Shetter to become Chief Minister. He had replaced Yeddyurappa who had to resign last July after Lokayuktha report on illegal mining had indicted him.

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition, Siddaramaiah has criticised the BJP government for fighting over the Chief Minister's chair, when 123 talukas in the state are facing severe drought.