Shobha Karandlaje resigns from Karnataka Cabinet

Shobha Karandlaje, the only woman Minister in the 33-member B.S. Yeddyurappa Cabinet, resigned on Monday.

Ms. Karandlaje, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, who wielded considerable influence in the 18-month-old BJP government, was a casualty of the understanding reached between the Chief Minister and the Reddy brothers in New Delhi on Sunday.

Karnataka Governor Hans Raj Bhardwaj accepted her resignation.

Forty-four-year-old Karandlaje, who holds a Master’s degree in social work, joined the BJP after being in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

At a press conference here, Ms. Karandlaje said she was “pained” at the happenings and had asked her party seniors what were the charges against her, whether she was “inefficient or corrupt.” “I have got no answer so far,” she said. Ms. Karandlaje, however, added that she was willing to step down if it would strengthen the party.

Calls on Governor

Later in the day, the Chief Minister called on the Governor. Although described as a “courtesy call,” Mr. Yeddyurappa briefed Mr. Bhardwaj on the recent political developments and the government’s stability. He also told the Governor that he would shortly undertake an intensive tour of the flood-affected districts and closely monitor rehabilitation works.