Hassan, Nov 14 (SocialNews.XYZ) Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Saturday clarified that he had not named the Hassan Deputy Commissioner or any other specific individual in connection with allegations of widespread corruption in the Deputy Commissioner's office, and had only referred to names mentioned in WhatsApp chats available to him.
Speaking to reporters after offering prayers at the Sri Ranganatha Swamy temple in Mavinakere in Holenarasipura taluk, Kumaraswamy said he had merely sought an investigation into the WhatsApp chat records and questioned why officials were issuing clarifications and statements against him.
"I have not accused the Hassan Deputy Commissioner or the district in-charge minister by name. I only spoke based on WhatsApp chat records involving the Deputy Commissioner's personal assistant and demanded an investigation into the matter," he said.
"However, they are competing with each other to issue statements against me and offer clarifications. Their behaviour has surprised me," Kumaraswamy added.
The Union Minister said he had not specifically pointed fingers at anyone or alleged that any particular person had accepted money. He maintained that he had only sought a probe to establish the authenticity of the information contained in the WhatsApp chats.
"Did I say anywhere that they had taken money? Did I point fingers at anyone? I only said that the truth behind the chats should be investigated. What is wrong with that, and why should I be attacked for demanding an inquiry?" he questioned.
Kumaraswamy said seeking an investigation whenever such information came to his notice was not wrong, adding that he had demanded probes into several issues in the past.
"If they have no role in the matter, why should they be afraid? I have not named anyone. I only referred to the names appearing in the WhatsApp chats and demanded an investigation," he said.
He alleged that the chats mentioned the names of those allegedly involved in the distribution of money and reiterated his demand that the mobile phones of all the officials concerned be seized and sent for investigation.
"Instead of conducting an investigation, they are abusing me and trying to mislead the people," Kumaraswamy charged.
Taking exception to the Chief Minister's reported response to the controversy, Kumaraswamy alleged that the Hassan Deputy Commissioner was exceeding official limits. He said the Chief Minister had already given a "clean chit" to the Deputy Commissioner and other officials even before an investigation was conducted.
"I do not know what has been discussed between the Chief Minister and the Deputy Commissioner. But the Chief Minister has given a clean chit to the Deputy Commissioner and other officials even before an inquiry. What is the use of my demanding an investigation now?" he asked.
The Union Minister further alleged that the government was encouraging officials to go beyond the rules governing their conduct.
Responding to a question about the Hassan Deputy Commissioner's WhatsApp status messages indirectly targeting him, Kumaraswamy said there was no need to worry about such posts.
"Nothing will happen under this government. The time has to come. When the time comes, changes will take place. Sitting here in the presence of Lord Ranganathaswamy, I say that God will ensure that those who behave in such a manner receive the consequences they deserve," he warned.
Kumaraswamy reiterated that he saw little purpose in discussing the investigation further after the Chief Minister had given the officials a clean chit.
"It is clear to me that nothing will come out of the investigation. There is no point in discussing it further. Time itself will provide the answer," he said.
Union Minister Kumaraswamy and Hassan Deputy Commissioner K.S. Latha Kumari are locked in a high-profile public and political clash over corruption allegations and WhatsApp chat leaks.
Kumaraswamy alleged that Hassan DC retained her post by paying a bribe.
Reacting to Kumaraswamy's allegation by releasing a WhatsApp chat, complaining of extortion in the Deputy Commissioner's office, Hassan DC K S Lathakumari said it was ridiculous. "Am I living in a five-star hotel, spending Rs 60,000 per day?" she asked.
Kumaraswamy was accused of operating from a five-star hotel when he was the Congress-JD(S) coalition chief minister in 2018-19.
Kumaraswamy further expressed anguish over the denial of temple entry to JD(S) Youth Wing state president Nikhil Kumaraswamy at Kurubarahalli village in Ramanagara district.
Speaking in Hassan, Kumaraswamy said Nikhil had been invited to the inauguration of Sri Bisilu Maramma temple but was denied entry after the temple doors were locked.
Recalling a similar incident in 2004, he said Congress workers had prevented him from entering a temple, following which he won the election by over 25,000 votes.
He alleged that Congress workers were creating a similar situation and said he was closely watching Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar's words and actions.
Source: IANS
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