HD Kumaraswamy’s technical advisor quits

Bengaluru: What could be a sign that the Coalition government is sinking, CM H.D. Kumaraswamy’s technical advisor M.K. Venkatraman reportedly tendered his resignation on Friday evening.

Mr Venkatraman was given cabinet rank status when he was appointed as CM's technical advisor.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, a senior official said that this could be an indication that Mr Kumaraswamy might opt to deliver a lengthy speech on Monday and leave for the Raj Bhavan prior to seeking Vote of Confidence. “It is also known that Mr Venkatraman was unhappy and had become restless in the last couple of months, as he had a long standing grouse that Mr Kumaraswamy failed to take any of his advises on irrigation projects seriously. He had sent him many reminders in this regard but nothing happened. Hence, it looks like Mr Venkatraman has chosen to walk out from his post. His resignation mentions that he has not withdrawn any of his entitlements except Rs 101 monthly from his account, though he was entitled to draw more than Rs 27 lakh in the last 13 month,” another official source said.

A third source pointed out that Mr Venkatraman has donated more than half of his entitlements to the Chief Minister’s relief fund. “Mr Venkatraman is not only known for his simplicity but also for articulate advisory notes which are sent to Mr Kumaraswamy based on his detailed studies of various river basin — Kalasabanduri, Pennar, Krishna, Mekedatu, Cauvery, and Mahadayi. However, his advisory notes gathered dust over a  period of time in CM’s office. This was his one of biggest grouse he had against Mr Kumaraswamy. His decision to quit at this juncture has triggered speculation that the CM would resign after giving a lengthy speech in Vidhana Soudha on Monday.”