Bengaluru, October 16: Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Friday levelled a series of allegations against the Karnataka government, accusing it of funding organisations engaged in activities that, according to him, threaten national security. He also launched a fresh attack on Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge, questioning his recent remarks and demanding an explanation over alleged support for protests in New Delhi.
Addressing the media before participating in an interaction with Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) aspirants, job seekers and students at the Bunts’ Association in Vijayanagar, Bengaluru, Kumaraswamy alleged that the Congress government in Karnataka was financing activities aimed at “destabilising the nation.”
Referring to Kharge’s recent statements, the Union Minister claimed that the Home Minister had indirectly admitted that the Congress and the organisation he referred to as “CJP” were working together. Kumaraswamy alleged that Kharge’s remarks suggested that no legal action would be taken against the organisation irrespective of its activities and questioned whether different standards of law were being applied.
Calling Kharge’s remarks “shocking” for a Home Minister, Kumaraswamy alleged that taxpayers’ money from Karnataka was being diverted to support protests in New Delhi. He further claimed that the Congress government was suppressing opposition workers in Karnataka by initiating criminal cases over social media posts while allegedly extending support to groups involved in protests elsewhere.
The Union Minister called on Congress leaders, including Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, to explain the source of funding for the protest campaigns. He also alleged that Karnataka’s public funds were being used for activities he described as being against national interests.
Kumaraswamy further criticised Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, alleging that the state government was allowing public money to be misused while avoiding accountability. He said that “time would reveal the truth” behind what he described as conspiracies and anti-national activities.
Reacting to Priyank Kharge’s reported statement that Kumaraswamy could be subjected to an inquiry if required, the Union Minister dismissed the remarks and said time would provide an appropriate answer to what he termed the Home Minister’s “arrogance.”
He also questioned why Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the Siddhartha Trust issue, asking Priyank Kharge to explain the circumstances.
Kumaraswamy criticised the functioning of the state’s Home Department, saying that ordering investigations against anyone at will was not consistent with responsible governance.
Responding to Priyank Kharge’s criticism that he had little importance in the Union government, Kumaraswamy defended his performance as Union Minister. He claimed that Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) had improved from earning profits of around ₹200 crore to more than ₹1,500 crore under his tenure, and said Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) had recorded profits of approximately ₹3,500 crore, with a target of ₹10,000 crore in the coming year.
The Union Minister also renewed his allegations regarding irregularities in KPSC recruitment and veterinary appointments. He alleged that the recruitment of 24 engineers through KPSC involved irregularities despite an internal inquiry recommending cancellation of the selection process. He further questioned why the state government had allegedly obtained a stay after the High Court ordered an investigation into veterinary recruitment.
On allegations that he had threatened police officers, Kumaraswamy denied issuing any threats. He said he had merely cautioned investigating officers against acting unfairly and asserted that he was prepared to face any investigation, including one against himself, if conducted impartially.
