Bengaluru, July 8: Independent legislator and minister H Nagesh on Monday quit his ministerial post. All ministers belonging to Congress will also resign from their post, apparently to save the party's coalition government with JD(S) in Karnataka. "All Karnataka Congress ministers are going to resign," Congress MP DK Suresh told reporters. The resignations are seen as Congress's last-ditch effort to placate rebel MLAs by offering them ministerial posts.

The crucial decision was taken at a meeting called by Congress leader and deputy chief minister G Parameshwara. Speaking to reporters, DK Suresh blamed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for allegedly poaching its MLAs. "BJP national leaders are behind this. BJP people don’t want this government or any opposition party to rule in the state or in the country. They are destroying the democracy," he said. Congress-JDS Coalition Fears Losing Majority, Here's The Number Game.

The Congress-JDS coalition government in Karnataka has plunged into a crisis following the resignation of 13 of their MLAs. According to reports, both the parties on Sunday offered ministry posts and "generous funds" to rebel legislators. It was expected that Congress and JD(S) will make some of their ministers resign to accommodate disgruntled legislators. Congress strongman DK Shivakumar said he will resign if it saves the government. DK Shivakumar Alleges Horse Trading by BJP, Accuses HD Kumaraswamy of Being Lenient.

Earlier today, Parameshwara also said that Congress minister will step down if the need arises. "If need be, all of us may resign and then accommodate the (rebel) MLAs," he told reports ahead of the meeting at his residence.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 08, 2019 11:25 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).