Bengaluru: After resigning as Mandya lawmaker for being sacked in a reshuffle by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Kannada rebel actor MH Ambareesh on Tuesday said he was not a slipper that can be thrown away after using it.
"They want my personal appearance. I will give my personal appearance and give the resignation. I am not anybody`s `chappal` that can be worn and thrown away when you want. I have my own popularity. I am not leaving because of politics. I lead my life because of the people`s sweat. I know how to handle this," Ambareesh told the media here.
Siddaramaiah had on Monday stepped in to quell the simmering discontent in the ruling Congress over the Cabinet reshuffle in which 14 ministers were dropped and 13 new faces inducted on Sunday.
The Chief Minister had also called on Ambareesh and told him not to take any hasty decision like resigning, as his services were required for the party in the run-up to the next Assembly Elections, due in early 2018.
However, the actor-turned-politician today said: "I have my own popularity.”
His complaint is that Siddaramaiah did not warn him about his removal.
"I am also a three-time MP. I was a central minister and I worked with him for three years. You must call us and say Ambareesh give the chance to somebody else. I would have happily given. I have no interest in power. I am satisfied because I work to my heart," he added.
Holding the Chief Minister responsible for his resignation, Ambareesh expressed confidence that many political parties would now approach him and give him a red carpet welcome. "Everybody will approach me and give me red carpet welcome. They know if I come I will be a strength," he added.
Of the 33-member ministry, including the chief minister, 27 hold Cabinet rank and six ministers of state rank.
