BENGALURU: Union Minister and former Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy launched a scathing attack on the state government on October 15, alleging the NICE land controversy, a purported video involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and the alleged misuse of the police machinery. Challenging Home Minister G. Parameshwara? No, Kumaraswamy dared the government to arrest him if it had the courage.
At a press conference at the Janata Dal (Secular) headquarters, JP Bhavan, Kumaraswamy accused the Congress government of trying to silence him through its official machinery. He questioned the government’s response to allegations of irregularities and demanded impartial investigations into the issues he had raised.
Referring to Kharge’s recent statements on investigations, Kumaraswamy said the Enforcement Directorate’s intervention had brought certain alleged irregularities to light. He claimed that the issues might otherwise have remained concealed and challenged the government to investigate alleged irregularities in the recruitment of 24 engineers through the Karnataka Public Service Commission when Kharge was the Panchayat Raj Minister.
“If the Home Minister is so honest, let him first order an investigation into how the Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) recruitment was conducted,” Kumaraswamy said. He also questioned the government’s position regarding allegations involving senior police officer Alok Kumar, referring to proceedings before the Supreme Court.
NICE land controversy
Kumaraswamy alleged that the controversy over a purported sting operation was brought into the spotlight to divert public attention from the NICE land issue. He questioned how discussions about the sting operation in a Cabinet meeting, which should have remained confidential, reached the media.
He claimed that the timing of the controversy was significant because he had called a press conference on the NICE issue. He said the sting operation narrative was being used to keep his allegations from getting adequate public attention.
The former Chief Minister also raised questions about alleged meetings between Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and individuals linked to the NICE project. He referred to a meeting at the Shangri-La hotel and alleged that a NICE-linked contractor had maintained contact with the Chief Minister and his associates.
Kumaraswamy claimed the Chief Minister’s family members were linked to about 300 acres of land allegedly connected to the NICE controversy. These claims remain allegations and require independent verification.
Questions over videos
Kumaraswamy also referred to earlier media reports and statements attributed to BJP leader Ramesh Jarkiholi concerning the possible release of videos allegedly involving Siddaramaiah. He compared it to the controversy over videos linked to Prajwal Revanna and asked whether the government was concerned about additional recordings emerging.
He alleged that meetings involving individuals connected with the sting operation had taken place and that efforts had been made to implicate him in a case. He also questioned the circumstances under which a woman was allegedly brought forward to give a statement.
The JD(S) leader asked whether the Home Department had investigated a purported telephone conversation involving the Chief Minister. He claimed that details mentioned in a petition seeking a court stay on the publication of certain material raised questions that needed to be addressed.
Kumaraswamy’s claims concerning the videos, conversations and alleged attempts to implicate political leaders have not been independently established.
Police action against social media worker questioned
The former Chief Minister expressed anger over the alleged questioning of a young member of his party’s social media team. He claimed the individual was taken from his residence for questioning and said the inquiry was conducted inappropriately.
Kumaraswamy questioned why investigators were focusing on young social media workers instead of examining the mobile phones and communications of senior political figures whose names had surfaced in the controversy.
He also mentioned Rakesh Shetty and Krupa Alva while questioning their alleged roles in the episode. He raised concerns about the protection reportedly extended to certain individuals and demanded that the authorities investigate the allegations impartially.
These accusations were made by Kumaraswamy at the press conference and have not been independently verified.
Dares government to arrest him
In one of the press conference’s strongest moments, Kumaraswamy directly challenged the Home Minister to take action against him rather than allegedly targeting party workers.
He said the Home Department did not have unrestricted authority to summon people at will and questioned whether government power was being used to harass political opponents and damage families.
“I am ready to come directly to your office. If you have the courage, arrest me. Shall I come to the Police Commissioner’s office right now?” he challenged.
Kumaraswamy demanded an investigation headed by a judge, arguing that the allegations should be examined by an independent authority rather than through a process controlled by the government. He also said he was concerned that court holidays could be used to accelerate arrests or obtain statements favourable to the ruling establishment.
He further questioned why action had allegedly not been taken against individuals he accused of influencing the controversy, and demanded accountability from the authorities.
Apologises for emotional outburst
Towards the end of the press conference, Kumaraswamy acknowledged using unusually strong language. He apologised to the people of Karnataka, saying that his emotional reaction stemmed from his concern over what he described as wrongdoing in the state.
He maintained that he intended to expose alleged irregularities and prevent the government from suppressing dissent. He said he would continue his political fight despite what he described as attempts to intimidate him.
