Belur Gopalakrishna withdraws resignation threat

Bengaluru: Congress MLA Belur Gopalakrishna, who had earlier announced that he would resign from the Karnataka Legislative Assembly after being denied a ministerial berth in the DK Shivakumar Cabinet, has now withdrawn his decision, saying he would continue as an MLA following assurances from the Chief Minister. The Sagar constituency MLA, who had declared that he would submit his resignation at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, made a dramatic U-turn and confirmed that he would not quit the Assembly.

While announcing his decision, Belur Gopalakrishna made an indirect remark that appeared to be aimed at former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. “Siddaramaiah is happy now. Let him remain happy for another hundred years. I am the one shedding tears. Shall I remove my glasses and show you?” he said, expressing his disappointment over being left out of the Cabinet.

Explaining why he decided against resigning, the MLA said Chief Minister DK. Shivakumar personally spoke to him and urged him not to take any hasty decision.

“I was not scared by the statement that resignations would be accepted immediately. I am not someone who gets frightened. The Chief Minister told me, ‘I am here with you.’ Respecting his request, I have withdrawn my decision to resign,” Belur Gopalakrishna said.

He also appealed to other disgruntled Congress legislators not to resign from the Assembly. “We should not take impulsive decisions. We have a meeting today, and I will request everyone not to resign. AICC leader Randeep Singh Surjewala has already spoken to several MLAs, including Yashavantharay Patil. I will also speak to the people of my constituency. The Congress will return to power in 2028, and I will urge everyone to withdraw their resignation plans,” he added.

Belur Gopalakrishna had openly expressed his disappointment after Madhu Bangarappa was inducted into the Cabinet from Shivamogga district while he was overlooked. In an earlier interview, he had alleged that influential political families were being given preference within the Congress.

“I have been elected as an MLA three times. Yet, priority is being given only to the sons and daughters of Chief Ministers and former Chief Ministers,” he had said, voicing his frustration over the Cabinet selection process.

His latest remarks come amid growing dissatisfaction within the ruling Congress following the Cabinet expansion, with several legislators expressing resentment over being denied ministerial positions despite reportedly figuring in the initial rounds of discussions.