Bengaluru: In a major development in Karnataka politics, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader, primary and secondary education minister N Mahesh resigned from the Congress-JD(S) coalition government.

Minister Mahesh submitted his resignation letter to chief minister HD Kumaraswamy. Reports claim that BSP will continue to support the alliance in Karnataka.

However, Mahesh clarified that he resigned due to personal reasons and said that he couldn't fulfil the promises he made to the people.

The minister also said that he wanted to strengthen his party and take active part in preparing the party in Karnataka for Lok Sabha elections. He also promised to campaign for JD(S) candidate in the by-election in Ramanagara and MP candidate in the by-election in Mandya. 

Mahesh had earlier lashed out at Congress, JD(S) and BJP for playing "caste politics". He had alleged that these parties are damaging the principle of social equality.

The BSP leader had won the Assembly seat from Kollegal and had become a minister in the coalition government.

It is also speculated that this move of Mahesh is BSP's way of officially ending the coalition with Congress in Karnataka after BSP chief Mayawati lashed out at Congress and came out of the mahagathbandhan due to her differences with the party.