Kalaburagi (Karnataka), Feb 2 (PTI) – Aland Congress MLA B R Patil resigned as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s political advisor, citing a lack of grants due to the state’s pre-poll guarantee schemes. Patil, who stepped down on Saturday, had held the position since December 29, 2023.
The Congress government allocated ₹52,000 crore in the 2024-25 budget for its five flagship guarantees. However, sources indicate that expenses on these schemes had already exceeded the budgeted amount by November.
Resignation Over Inability to Deliver for Constituency
Speaking to reporters in Kalaburagi, Patil stated, “There are problems. I did not resign mindlessly. If the Chief Minister invites me, I will meet him and explain.”He revealed that he had written to Siddaramaiah twice but acknowledged that the Chief Minister was preoccupied with the MUDA scam and state budget preparations. Despite his resignation, Patil reaffirmed his support for Siddaramaiah, stating, “I will be with him like an intimate friend till the end.”
When asked about his decision to step down, Patil clarified that his role as a political advisor had become ineffective. “I was unable to do anything for my constituency or address any pressing issues. My position was of no use,” he explained.
Grants Issue Affects Multiple MLAs
Patil emphasized that he was not the only MLA struggling due to the allocation of funds towards the guarantee schemes. “Due to the guarantees, we are not getting grants. Many MLAs across the state are facing the same problem,” he said.Dismissing speculation about seeking a higher political post, he asserted, “I am not the kind of politician who engages in blackmailing.”
Exit from Electoral Politics
In a significant announcement, Patil declared that he would not contest elections in the future. “I have had the privilege of serving as an MLA four times and as an MLC twice. I am grateful for the opportunities,” he said.Additionally, he linked his resignation to concerns over the office of profit issue. “There is nothing extraordinary about my resignation. I had decided to resign long ago. I was simply waiting for the disqualification concerns related to the office of profit to be resolved. Once that was cleared, I stepped down,” he concluded.
Political Implications
Patil’s resignation adds to the ongoing challenges faced by the Congress-led Karnataka government, as it balances its ambitious welfare schemes with fiscal management. The development also raises concerns about internal dissatisfaction among MLAs, particularly regarding fund allocations.
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