Karnataka is witnessing extremely bad political culture, it must end: Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy
Addressing the media, Kumaraswamy said he was raising the issue with pain. He said he would not comment on yesterday's incident in Delhi, in which Chief Minister DK Shivakumar was allegedly pulled by security personnel during a protest, but added that "the day is not far when even his chair will be pulled away."
He said people of the state are facing several serious issues, including farmers' demand for a scientifically determined price for sugarcane, drought situation, and issues related to Bidadi township and NICE project. Despite these, the sting operation issue has overshadowed everything and come to the forefront after the Chief Minister raised it in the Cabinet meeting, he said.
Addressing allegations on appointment of retired officers, Kumaraswamy alleged that after becoming Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar has appointed four retired police officers at his Sadashivanagar residence.
"Earlier, he had appointed only journalists to gather information for his office. Now, he has appointed four police officers to gather information about what is being discussed by ministers in his Cabinet. This discussion has begun within the police department," Kumaraswamy claimed.
Referring to the sting operation case, Kumaraswamy said the Nija Horata Samiti has filed a complaint in court and an investigation is underway.
He said the former Chief Minister has obtained a stay from the court in the matter.
Kumaraswamy also referred to the Prajwal Revanna case, stating that during the 2024 Parliamentary elections, videos were circulated on pen drives in Mandya and Hassan just four days before polling.
He alleged that there is a recorded conversation and an audio clip involving a lawyer and others where they allegedly conspired to tarnish the Deve Gowda family.
He alleged that the present Chief Minister himself had made remarks about getting complaints filed through women and alleged circulation of videos. Kumaraswamy claimed the former Chief Minister approached the court and obtained a stay to suppress the matter.
"Mr Shivakumar, you were the one who initiated the sting operation. You nurtured it and allowed it to grow into a major controversy. Now you must face the consequences," Kumaraswamy said.
He also referred to the Ramesh Jarkiholi case and alleged that a conspiracy was hatched against him.
Kumaraswamy further claimed that Rahul Gandhi had raised the issue of alleged atrocities related to the Prajwal Revanna videos and alleged that police had entered the former Prime Minister's residence.
Kumaraswamy further said that farmer leader Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is known for his courage and is his political teacher. At this point of time, he should come out and speak about the enquiry and what needs to be done to avoid all these alleged sting operations.
"I don't say he should destabilise the government, but it is his teacher who fought for the AHINDA community from the political beginning. He should speak about these issues and bring out what is the truth and a CBI enquiry must be done," he said.
Kumaraswamy said, "It is not about one person or one family. These things will destroy the family culture in Karnataka and these kind of sting operations can bring very bad name to the whole state."
"That is why I am demanding an enquiry that has to be done on the proposal of Chief Minister DK Shivakumar in Karnataka. I am also meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the upcoming days to request the same," Kumaraswamy added.
HD Kumaraswamy also said that taking shelter of the court doesn't solve the problem. At this point of time, it is very important for him to speak out and demand an enquiry which will bring out the truth, apparently, in all sting operations. I did not speak about all these issues when Mr HD Revanna and his family were targeted, and Prajwal Revanna was sent to Jail after the so-called investigation by the SIT.
HD Kumar said, "I'm asking, where is that SIT team, which did all these blunders in Karnataka and is now keeping quiet to safeguard some people with Disrupting agenda."
(ANI)
