Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India]: Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy has criticised Lokayukta ADGP M Chandrashekhar for showing “arrogance” in conducting an inquiry against the staff of the governor’s office, alleging that he is receiving protection from “corrupt” officials in the Congress.
While releasing a statement, Kumaraswamy responded to some ministers who questioned whether the tainted officer did not work during his government.
“What do you say to the uneducated and ignorant? Is it not true that this tainted, criminal-minded officer was also working during my tenure as ADGP of Lokayukta? Some people in this government are asking that. Yes, this officer worked in my government. I won’t deny it. However, I did not leave room for anyone to rule the town, roll in the muck, or extort by instilling fear. I made sure to keep them from resorting to immoral practices. Do you Congress ministers have such courage?” the Union Minister questioned.
He also retorted to Congress leaders, saying, “I have not reached such a low state as to seek protection from tainted officials, nor will I do so?.”
Earlier in the week, the JD(S) leader appeared before the Lokayukta police for questioning in connection with a land denotification case.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar today criticised H D Kumaraswamy for his comments on ADGP M Chandrashekhar.
“Kumaraswamy doesn’t know what he is saying. What is the connection between the KPCC office and Lokayukta ADGP Chandrashekar,” he questioned when asked about Kumaraswamy’s allegation that Chandrashekar had received a letter from the KPCC. He was speaking to reporters in Nelamangala.
“I haven’t been in Bengaluru of late as I have been travelling to Sathnur and Kanakapura. What can I say if Kumaraswamy remembers KPCC,” he said.
Asked about Kumaraswamy’s statement that he has documents of alleged corruption by seven ministers in the Congress government, he said, “Let him release the documents if he has them. I haven’t even seen or met Chandrashekar; I don’t know what he is talking about,” he added.
Kumaraswamy on Saturday criticised the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government over the alleged MUDA scam, accusing the administration of engaging in unethical practices by filing FIRs and arresting those who oppose them.
Kumaraswamy alleged that the state government is plotting to implicate him. “The CM and his cabinet are trying to firefight the MUDA scam. This government has been involved in immoral practices by filing FIRs and arresting people who oppose them but why was a FIR not filed for 48 hours despite order being passed in Siddaramaiah’s case. This government, including the Home Minister, are conspiring to frame me. They are conducting meetings with top cops and ministers to conspire against me,” he claimed.