Hassan (Karnataka), Sep 15 (IANS): Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, on Tuesday said he would not back down from exposing alleged scams and illegalities in Karnataka.
Speaking at Mavinakere village in Hassan district, Kumaraswamy said he had sought the blessings of Lord Ranganathaswamy before beginning what he described as a fight against injustice.
“I am committed to my statement of exposing something that will shake the entire state and the country. There is no question of stepping back from exposing and bringing before the people scams and illegalities,” he said.
Kumaraswamy said he would place documents relating to alleged illegalities before the people and questioned who would take the issues forward and bring them to their logical conclusion.
“I am an individual. I cannot give a logical end to everything. God has to give a logical end to this fight against injustice. The question is who will take these issues forward and bring them to their logical conclusion,” he said.
He said nobody could remain silent about alleged illegalities and cited the controversy surrounding recruitment through the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) as an example.
Kumaraswamy claimed that he had raised the issue of alleged irregularities in the appointment of Assistant Executive Engineers (AEE) even before he travelled to the United States. He alleged that the irregularities had taken place during the tenure of the present government and “right under the nose” of its ministers.
Referring to the investigation into the recruitment of veterinary doctors, he said the Special Investigation Team (SIT) had been constituted and money had been seized during the investigation.
“Whose money is it? It belongs to poor youth who dream of securing government jobs. Their emotions have been played with and they have been extorted. Should I remain quiet?” Kumaraswamy asked.
He also alleged irregularities in the recruitment of 24 AEE candidates and claimed that documents supported the charges. He criticised Home Minister and IT and BT Minister Priyank Kharge, alleging that he had not answered the questions raised over the recruitment issue.
“My objective is to expose illegal scams before the people. They will decide. I am not imposing anything on anyone,” Kumaraswamy said.
He said he was making the statements in the presence of God and denied having any personal grudge or acting out of jealousy against anyone.
Kumaraswamy also addressed claims that he was opposing Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar out of jealousy because a person from his own community had become Chief Minister.
Without naming Shivakumar directly, Kumaraswamy said he had no objection to the Chief Minister continuing in power.
“Many people tell me that a person from our own community should not be tortured. I want to make it clear that I am not exposing these issues to torture anyone. I am doing it in the interest of the people,” he said.
He said he would cooperate with the government if it ruled efficiently and without scams.
“If they rule efficiently and without scams, I will cooperate. But I will not hesitate to question the misuse of power in the state. There is no question of jealousy,” Kumaraswamy said.
He also said the sentiments and concerns of the people of Karnataka should not be diverted from the issues being raised.
