Will oppn pressure force Santosh Lad to quit?

Bangalore: Is tourism minister Santosh Lad’s days in the cabinet numbered? Informed sources in the Congress party indicated on Thursday that he could be eased out of the cabinet shortly, after the party's central leadership told Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and KPCC chief, Dr G. Parameshwar that the minister's position had become untenable in the face of pressure from the opposition for his resignation over allegations of corruption. 

AICC general Secretary, Digvijay Singh reportedly informed the two state leaders during the first co-ordination meeting held at New Delhi that the decision on whether Lad should step down before or after the Belgaum session was theirs to make. Lad could not be reached for comment. 

Next: Santosh Lad to exit Ministry?

Santosh Lad to exit Ministry?

Bangalore: Is infrastructure and information minister, Santosh Lad, on his way out following persistent demand by leaders of Opposition parties?

Sources in Congress said senior central leaders of the party, particularly AICC general secretary in-charge of Karnataka, Digvijay Singh, reportedly advised Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and KPCC president Dr G. Parameshwar to seek Lad’s resignation if pressure mounts from leaders of Opposition parties ahead of the forthcoming session of state legislature.

Digvijay Singh passed on his advice during the first meeting of the coordination committee held in New Delhi earlier this week. Santosh Lad, however, did not respond to calls on Thursday.

Though Siddaramaiah has defended Santosh Lad on several occasions, denying the latter’s involvement in illegal mining, the leader’s confidants are reportedly weighing the pros and cons of the minister’s exit either before commencement of the legislature session in Belgaum next week or at a later date.

Meanwhile, leaders of BJP have made it clear that they would demand Santosh Lad’s resignation on Monday, the first day of the legislature session.