New Delhi, Jan 7 (NationPress) Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy criticized Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar for organizing a meeting with police officials in Ballari in response to recent violence.

Kumaraswamy raised questions about Shivakumar's authority, asking who permitted him to call such a meeting and if the state only has a rubber-stamp Home Minister.

"Is there no Home Minister in the state? Is the Home Minister merely a rubber-stamp minister? The public deserves to know the facts about this incident," he remarked.

He emphasized that a Deputy Chief Minister is just another minister and questioned what information police would provide to a Congress fact-finding committee.

"Congress members have filed complaints against the very MLAs implicated in this incident. What will be the outcome of your investigation?" he challenged.

Kumaraswamy accused the government of hastily trying to conceal the events that transpired in Ballari.

"Can bullets be fired in the streets merely for a banner installation? Why was the deceased party worker cremated swiftly after the post-mortem? Why wasn’t the family given the chance to conduct the final rites? Shouldn’t the government address these issues?" he questioned.

He stated that the incident and the death of the individual in Ballari are tragic and distressing for all involved.

"Congress leaders claim they are conducting a fact-finding mission. They should share the truth they uncover. Historically, Congress leaders have not been truthful. Thus, let this committee at least provide an honest account," he asserted.

In reference to his past conflict with BJP MLA Janardhan Reddy, Kumaraswamy remarked that it was an old matter and questioned the relevance of revisiting it.

Responding to Minister Priyank Kharge's dismissive comments regarding his statements on the opposition, Kumaraswamy urged him to first clarify the contributions he and his father, AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, have made to the Gurumitkal constituency in Kalaburagi district.

He noted that we live in a digital era where information is readily available. He claimed that even police officers have suggested that if a thorough investigation is conducted, the outcomes may be surprising.

He cautioned those making light of his remarks to be cautious and advised them to communicate the same to the Home Minister and others.

Addressing Home Minister G. Parameshwara, Kumaraswamy said, "Stop pretending to be a saint. First, transfer the Ballari case to the CBI. Only then will you understand the potential repercussions."

Referring to the Ballari Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS), he mentioned that Dr. Yogeesh initially commenced the post-mortem examination, but due to delays, another doctor, Dr. Chethan, was summoned.

Kumaraswamy emphasized that he speaks only with documentation. "We are aware of the individuals you are attempting to label as guilty. The mob assaulting Janardhan Reddy's residence could have been dispersed in a matter of minutes. Why was that not carried out? Who constrained the police? Even when private gunmen were firing recklessly, the police stood by idly. Why?" he questioned.