Siddaramaiah Claims Priyank Kharge's Resignation Demands Are Politically Driven
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Bengaluru, Jan 1 (NationPress) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated on Wednesday that Priyank Kharge, the state's Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, should not resign in light of the contractor suicide incident, insisting that the claims against him are politically motivated.
While addressing the press at Vidhana Soudha, the Chief Minister pointed out that Kharge's name does not feature in the contractor's suicide note.
He underscored that there is no proof or connection tying Kharge to this situation, hence he has no obligation to resign.
According to Siddaramaiah, Kharge has also shown his readiness to assist with the investigation.
A 26-year-old contractor named Sachin from Kalaburagi reportedly took his own life after allegedly encountering threats and extortion from Raju Kapanuru, an associate of Priyank Kharge. Sachin's seven-page suicide note accused Kapanuru of severe misconduct.
Leaders from the opposition, including BJP's Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, have charged Kharge and are calling for his resignation. The BJP intends to escalate its protests, demanding a CBI inquiry into the situation.
In response to the BJP's request for a CBI investigation, Siddaramaiah questioned whether the BJP has faith in the state police.
'The former BJP administration never referred any cases to the CBI. Thus, the BJP lacks the ethical grounds to request a CBI investigation now,' he stated.
Siddaramaiah further mentioned that in a similar prior case, former BJP leader K.S. Eshwarappa's name was included in a death note. This case has been forwarded to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for examination, and suitable actions will be taken based on their findings.
Addressing the complaints lodged by BJP MLC C.T. Ravi with the Governor regarding 'police misconduct' tied to a derogatory remark incident involving Women and Child Welfare Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirmed that this case has also been transferred to the CID.
