Submits resignation at BJP State Office in Malleswaram; copies sent to senior party leaders
Bengaluru: Former BBMP corporator from Yeshwanthpur Ward 37, G.K. Venkatesh (NTR), has resigned from the primary membership of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging dissatisfaction with the conduct, functioning style and alleged irregularities involving Rajarajeshwari Nagar (RR Nagar) MLA Munirathna.
Venkatesh visited the BJP State Office at Malleswaram in Bengaluru and announced his decision to quit the party. Later, addressing a press conference, he released details of his resignation letter and levelled several allegations against MLA Munirathna.
In his resignation letter submitted to BJP Karnataka State President B.Y. Vijayendra, Venkatesh stated that he had taken the decision after being deeply disappointed with the developments in the RR Nagar constituency.
He also said that copies of the resignation letter had been forwarded to BJP National President Nitin Nabin, National General Secretary B.L. Santhosh, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, and Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly R. Ashoka.
Claims to have played key role in BJP’s growth in RR Nagar
Venkatesh, an M.Com and M.A. (Philosophy) graduate, said he had been actively involved in social service since his student days. He recalled that he was elected as a BBMP corporator from Yeshwanthpur Ward during the 2015-20 term with one of the highest vote margins in Bengaluru.
He claimed that he had worked extensively for MLA Munirathna’s victories in four consecutive Assembly elections and contributed significantly to strengthening the party organisation in the constituency.
However, he alleged that the situation changed after Munirathna joined the BJP and that original party workers and leaders were being neglected.
Alleges harassment of BJP workers
Venkatesh accused Munirathna of allegedly harassing senior BJP workers and local leaders by filing false police cases and using intimidation tactics.
He claimed that several former corporators and leaders, including Asha Suresh, Velu Naikar, Srinivasamurthy (Chani), Mohan Kumar, Siddegowda and Manjula Narayanaswamy, had already distanced themselves from the party due to these issues.
Raises allegations over development works
During the press conference, Venkatesh levelled allegations regarding various development projects in the constituency.
He alleged that an old maternity hospital, which had served people for several decades, was demolished in the name of constructing a general hospital, but the project has not become operational despite the expenditure of crores of rupees.
He further alleged that houses belonging to economically weaker sections in B.K. Nagar, where residents had received rights under the Slum Clearance Board, were demolished with promises of multi-storeyed housing, but the work remained incomplete, leaving many families in distress.
He also alleged that an old government Kannada school was demolished and a private arrangement was made without proper government approval, affecting the interests of Kannada-medium students.
Venkatesh accused the MLA of destroying the international-standard swimming pool at G.P. Park in the name of renovation and alleged irregularities in road and drainage works.
Allegations regarding religious issues
Venkatesh alleged that attempts were made to remove a nearly 200-year-old Shiva and Shani temple in Yeshwanthpur by communicating with railway authorities. He said the temple was saved following protests by local residents.
He also alleged that remarks made during the Ganesh festival had hurt public sentiments and triggered strong reactions from local residents.
Questions party leadership over lack of action
Venkatesh said that allegations relating to demand for bribes, caste-related remarks and other cases involving Munirathna had been brought to the attention of BJP’s senior leadership, but no action was taken.
Despite repeated complaints and concerns raised by party workers, there has been no corrective action, he alleged.
Demands action against Munirathna
Calling for immediate disciplinary action, Venkatesh demanded that the BJP leadership remove Munirathna from the party and provide alternative leadership for the RR Nagar constituency.
“If the present situation continues, the BJP may face serious setbacks in RR Nagar, and many more workers may leave the party,” he warned.
The former corporator said his resignation was a decision taken after careful consideration and reflected the concerns of grassroots party workers in the constituency.
