Mandya: District minister N Cheluvarayaswamy Thursday criticised Union minister HD Kumaraswamy over his opposition to DK Shivakumar becoming chief minister, questioning his authority to decide who should occupy the post.
He said police had arrested the accused who allegedly released the footage and questioned the objection to the police action.
Congress party does not engage in such activities,” he said. Alleging the involvement of Janata Dal (Secular) in the alleged sting operation targeting former chief minister Siddaramaiah , Cheluvarayaswamy questioned the circulation of the video through social media platforms associated with the party. “Why release footage now if it is claimed to be old? Siddaramaiah will never indulge in anything illegal or bring embarrassment to himself. Challenging Kumaraswamy to pursue the matter through appropriate channels, Cheluvarayaswamy suggested that he approach Prime Minister Narendra Modi and seek an investigation by the appropriate agencies if he had evidence to support his allegations. Questioning Kumaraswamy’s sudden expressions of sympathy towards Siddaramaiah, the minister alleged that the Union minister was engaging in political theatrics.
He also criticised Kumaraswamy’s remarks, saying he appeared to have lost his sense of judgement. “Who is Kumaraswamy? He is a Union minister. Let him do his job. What business does he have in deciding whether Shivakumar should become chief minister? Cheluvarayaswamy asked while responding to media queries.