Congress MLA BR Patil Resigns as Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah’s Political Advisor

Congress MLA BR Patil has resigned from his position as the political advisor to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Speaking to ANI on Sunday, Patil confirmed that he submitted his resignation on Friday but refrained from sharing the reasons behind his decision publicly.

“I resigned the day before yesterday. I have written a detailed letter to the Chief Minister. I will speak with him if he calls me,” Patil said. He clarified that while there are several reasons for his resignation, he was not ready to reveal them at this stage.

Patil, a seasoned politician with a long-standing career, emphasized that his resignation was final and that he would not be retracting it. He further added, “I have not spoken with the CM so far. I won’t withdraw my resignation.”

BR Patil’s Political Legacy

Patil has been a prominent figure in Karnataka politics, serving as an MLA for multiple terms. He has represented the Aland constituency in Kalaburagi district, securing victories with different political parties throughout his career.

His journey began with the Janata Party in 1983, followed by stints with JD(S) in 2004, Karnataka Janata Party in 2013, and Congress in 2023. Additionally, he served as an MLC from 1988 to 1994, where he held the position of Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Council.

His political career has been marked by his contributions to Karnataka’s legislative process, but his resignation has raised concerns about the internal dynamics of Congress within the state.

Unclear Reasons for Resignation

Patil’s departure from the advisory position has intensified discussions regarding the internal power struggles in Congress.

Despite his lengthy association with the party, Patil had previously hoped for a ministerial role when the Congress party came to power in 2023.

However, when prominent figures like Priyank Kharge and Sharan Prakash Patil were appointed to the Cabinet, Patil found himself sidelined and instead appointed as the political advisor to the Chief Minister in December 2023.

Patil’s resignation has been attributed to a range of reasons, though he has been cautious about revealing specifics.

He stated, “There are problems. I did not resign mindlessly. If the Chief Minister invites me, I will meet him and explain.”

Despite his reluctance to divulge details, Patil mentioned that issues related to funding for his constituency, among other grievances, contributed to his decision.

Discontent Over Budget and Grants

Patil further elaborated that the current political climate had not allowed him to address important issues for his constituency.

He expressed frustration over his inability to make any tangible changes, citing his position as a political advisor being “of no use.”

“Due to the guarantees, we are not getting grants. I am not the only one affected—many other MLAs across the state are also deprived of funds,” Patil added, highlighting the issue of fund allocation that had reportedly exceeded the budget set for certain guarantees by November itself.

He clarified that grants were not the sole reason for his resignation, indicating that multiple factors contributed to his decision.

However, Patil dismissed speculation that he was seeking a higher post within the party, asserting, “I am not the kind of politician to engage in blackmailing.”

A History of Discontent with Government Policies

BR Patil has always been known for his outspoken nature. He had previously voiced his dissatisfaction with government policies, including his opposition to the proposal for granting new liquor shop licenses.

His candid criticism of the government’s decisions has often made him a contentious figure within the Congress party.

His resignation has reignited frustrations among other senior Congress legislators who were left out of key ministerial positions following the formation of Siddaramaiah’s government in 2023.

Patil’s aspiration for a ministerial post was reportedly thwarted by internal opposition from other figures in the Kalaburagi district, such as Priyank and Sharanprakash Patil.

Patil’s Decision Regarding Future Political Career

In a significant statement, Patil also declared that he would not be contesting elections in the future, expressing gratitude for his long service as an MLA and MLC.

“I have served as an MLA four times and as an MLC twice, and I am thankful for the opportunities I have had,” Patil remarked, suggesting that his resignation marked the end of his electoral journey.

Furthermore, Patil indicated that his resignation was also tied to concerns over the “office of profit” issue.

“There is nothing special about my resignation. I had decided to resign long ago. I was waiting for the Damocles’ sword of disqualification concerning the office of profit issue to be cleared. Once it was, I resigned,” he explained.

Patil’s Continued Affiliation with Congress

While Patil’s resignation has sparked debate within the party, he confirmed that he would continue to serve as an MLA and would not seek any official position within the government.

His decision to step down is seen as an indication of growing discontent within the Congress ranks, especially among those who feel marginalized despite their long-standing service to the party.

A Critical Shift in Congress Politics

BR Patil’s resignation from the position of political advisor to Karnataka’s Chief Minister has added fuel to the fire of internal dissension within Congress.

His decision, influenced by a range of factors including funding issues, internal party politics, and personal dissatisfaction, signals a turning point in Karnataka’s political landscape.

While the specific reasons for his resignation remain unclear, it is evident that the Congress party is grappling with challenges in maintaining unity within its ranks.