Kumaraswamy Critiques Congress MLA for Retracting His Statements on Karnataka's Corruption

Synopsis

Union Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy criticized Congress MLA Basavaraj Rayareddy for retracting his statement about corruption in Karnataka, asserting that there was no need for a U-turn. He emphasized that his administration ensured timely payments to contractors, unlike the current regime, which he accused of fostering corruption.

Key Takeaways

Kumaraswamy disapproves of Rayareddy's U-turn on corruption.
He claims his administration maintained integrity in contract payments.
Rayareddy's statements about corruption sparked controversy.
Kumaraswamy questions the moral authority of Congress leaders.
Rayareddy later claimed his comments were misrepresented.

Bengaluru, April 10 (NationPress) Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H. D. Kumaraswamy on Thursday expressed his disapproval of Congress MLA and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's Economic Advisor Basavaraj Rayareddy for withdrawing his comments regarding corruption in the state.

Kumaraswamy remarked, "There was absolutely no need for Basavaraj Rayareddy, the Economic Advisor to the Chief Minister, to reverse his stance. He had merely spoken the truth. Rayareddy's earlier statement serves as a testament to how genuinely Congress leaders adhere to Mahatma Gandhi's motto, 'Satyameva Jayate.'"

He asserted that it was not the JD (S) government that fostered the culture of commissions and percentage rackets in contracts.

"During my tenure as Chief Minister, contractors were compensated consistently and without delay. There were no issues with payment timelines. In my administration, commission rackets never infiltrated the Vidhana Soudha. Congress leaders, who label themselves as 'satyasandhas' (men of truth), ought to recognize this," he stated.

Kumaraswamy also ridiculed Rayareddy for his assertions that Siddaramaiah is taking stringent measures against corruption.

"Poor soul… I can only imagine how intimidated he must feel. Power and dependence can diminish one’s vocal strength," Kumaraswamy quipped.

"Is Rayareddy genuinely so oblivious to the myriad of scams occurring under the current CM’s administration? As a member of the Congress East India Company government that is plundering Karnataka, he lacks the ethical standing to critique JD (S)," he added.

The CM’s Economic Advisor Basavaraj Rayareddy, while attending a discussion program in Koppal organized by the Regional Imbalance Redressal Committee, stated, "Regardless of who holds power, widespread corruption will persist, and Karnataka is ranked No 1 in terms of corruption."

However, he later maintained that he never claimed that "Karnataka was the most corrupt state."

He went on to say, "Due to rampant corruption, the quality of work is suffering. Government buildings that stood for five to six decades previously are now crumbling within a decade of their construction. Notably, corruption is significantly more rampant in the Kalyan Karnataka region."

"When such extensive corruption is prevalent, how can we expect to eliminate regional disparities? The officials should act as representatives of the populace. Despite what the Chief Minister asserts, my views on corruption remain unchanged," he added.

After his comments ignited controversy, MLA Rayareddy insisted that his remarks were misrepresented by the media and insisted that he had not claimed that Karnataka was ranked No. 1 in corruption.

"I stated that the state has gained notoriety for corruption due to subpar work quality. I did not level any allegations of corruption against the current or previous governments. This assertion is not new and was articulated on the floor of the House, and I had also communicated it in a meeting with the CM," MLA Rayareddy clarified.