BENGALURU: Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries HD Kumaraswamy termed the FIR against him “ridiculous and malicious”. “During this bypoll, the Congress government is targeting us out of sheer animosity. I will respond to this through the judiciary,” the state JDS president told the media, while campaigning for his son and NDA candidate from Channapatna Nikhil Kumaraswamy.
The former CM said he has read the contents of the complaint and FIR and it is ridiculous and malicious. “The complainant has stated that I allegedly made accusations against him in a press conference and has asked for action. Did I provide false information about him? He can review my press conference video if he wants,” Kumaraswamy said, referring to the complainant, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) M Chandrasekhar.
Kumaraswamy said the FIR was registered because he addressed a press conference. It also mentions Nikhil for allegedly making a statement, and also JDS Legislature Party leader Suresh Babu for submitting a complaint to the Chief Secretary. “According to them, should no one speak or file complaints against anyone? They cannot silence us,” Kumaraswamy said.
The Union Minister termed it a conspiracy and part of a malicious campaign. Congress leaders resorted to new tactics as they realised that their deceit in Channapatna was becoming apparent, he said and added that he has faith in the Constitution and the law, and trust in the people of Channapatna. “Even if a hundred such FIRs are filed, we will not lose courage,” he said.