H.D. Kumaraswamy. File photo.
Bengaluru: Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy demanded a comprehensive investigation into an alleged sting targeting former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, saying the Karnataka government must establish whether an operation had been conducted to damage his reputation and identify those responsible.
Responding to the controversy, Kumaraswamy said telling people that “time will tell” could not replace an investigation. He demanded answers on who allegedly conducted the operation, who was behind it and what role each person had played.
Siddaramaiah had himself called for the truth to emerge, Kumaraswamy said, questioning why the government had not ordered a probe. Allegations involving someone who had served as chief minister should not be treated lightly, he argued.
Acknowledging his past political differences with Siddaramaiah, Kumaraswamy said his demand was about establishing the facts and taking action against anyone found responsible. He also expressed concern about the implications for ordinary people’s confidence in public life if such incidents were allowed to continue.
Questions over Cabinet file and alleged leaks
Kumaraswamy referred to reports that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had taken a file concerning the alleged sting into a Cabinet meeting. He questioned how details of the purported discussion had reached the media and demanded an investigation into any information leak.
Cabinet deliberations were generally confidential, he said, drawing a comparison with discussions at the Union government level that did not ordinarily become public. If the file had been placed before the state Cabinet, the government needed to explain what information it possessed and why an investigation had not followed, he argued.
“Instead of using the issue for political publicity, the government should establish the facts and place them before the people,” Kumaraswamy said.
On the pen-drive controversy, he maintained that devices in his possession contained genuine documents relating to the NICE project and alleged that fabricated material was being circulated.
Kumaraswamy said a probe should examine all aspects of the alleged operation, including claims about the involvement of people from Uttar Pradesh, a Union minister or BJP leaders. He also questioned the reported provision of police protection and security personnel to a person allegedly associated with the operation. He called for an impartial investigation to establish the identities and roles of anyone involved.
SIR and welfare-beneficiary verification
Kumaraswamy also challenged Congress over its objections to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, comparing the exercise with verification of welfare beneficiaries. Electoral-roll revision was not new, he said.
While acknowledging the importance of protecting voting rights, he criticised Congress leaders’ allegations that names were being removed and the number of voters from particular communities was being deliberately reduced. Leaders raising constitutional concerns should also address people’s livelihoods and the implementation of state schemes, he argued.
He said surveys and checks were being undertaken because eligible people were not receiving benefits properly while ineligible recipients were receiving money. Kumaraswamy questioned what he described as a reduction of 16–20 lakh beneficiaries across Gruha Lakshmi, widow pensions, disability pensions and old-age pensions. He demanded an explanation of the basis for the reductions and whether eligible beneficiaries had been excluded.
Kumaraswamy cited a claim that ₹79 crore had been deposited into the accounts of 79 deceased beneficiaries and was being recovered. Referring to that claim, he argued that verification was necessary to prevent payments in the names of deceased or ineligible people.
He asked why the same principle of verification should become a political controversy when applied to electoral rolls, and said concerns about revision should be addressed through the appropriate institutional process.
Mysuru Palace photoshoot and CJI meeting criticism
Kumaraswamy accused Shivakumar of spending time on a photoshoot at Mysuru Palace instead of answering questions about the alleged sting. Referring to photographs taken seated before the royal throne, he criticised the event being projected as a spectacle and remarked that excessive displays of humility could conceal other intentions.
He also criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over the reported move to seek a meeting with the Chief Justice of India on political matters. Questioning the propriety of involving the judiciary in political disputes, he said constitutional institutions and those holding constitutional office must be treated with respect.
“Dragging the Chief Justice of India into politics is inappropriate. Rahul Gandhi should demonstrate greater political maturity,” Kumaraswamy said, questioning why political leaders should expect a meeting simply because they had sought an appointment.
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