No truth in BJP’s allegations, Anti-Corruption Bureau not misused, asserts CM Siddaramaiah
BENGALURU: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has questioned the credibility of BJP’s protest against him for alleged misuse of Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).“It is ridiculous to see BJP leaders protesting against ACB for registering cases against former Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa on charges of denotification of lands. Are these leaders trying to protect the corrupt,” Siddaramaiah asked.
Speaking to reporters after garlanding the statue of former Chief Minister Devaraj Urs on his birth anniversary at Vidhana Soudha on Sunday, Siddaramaiah said, ACB has registered cases as Yeddyurappa has committed irregularities. “We have not misused ACB. There is no truth in BJP’s allegations.”
“Going by the BJP leaders’ logic, the recent I-T raid on Energy minister DK Shivakumar’s premises amounts to misuse of the I-T department. Is it not?” Siddaramaiah asked hitting back at the BJP leaders.
Devaraj Urs award for Kharge
Congress floor leader in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge was presented the Devaraj Urs award for his commitment and contribution to the welfare of the weaker sections. The award carries a purse of Rs 2 lakh and a citation.Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, in his address after presenting the award, recalled Urs’s commitment for social justice and the hurdles he (Urs) had to cross in implementing Havanur Commission report for backward classes. He also lauded Urs for the land reforms he ushered in.
He accused BJP of anti-quota for backwards and said BJP leaders had opposed implementation of Mandal Commission report.
“BJP members are opposing even Indira Canteens in many places,” Siddaramaiah said and denied allegations that Indira Canteens are being set up in public parks and play grounds. “If clubs can be established for the rich in Cubbon Park, why not Indira Canteen for the poor,” Siddaramaiah asked.
BJP protest against Siddaramaiah
BJP leaders and workers staged a protest against Siddaramaiah government accusing it of misusing ACB for political vendetta against former Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa. Former Deputy Chief Minister R Ashok, party MP Shobha Karandlaje and former minister V Somanna led the protest at Mysuru Bank Circle.