Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.
Credit: PTI photo
Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar defended his Cabinet colleague Priyank Kharge by denying latter’s links with the contractor’s suicide reported at Bhalki.
Speaking to reporters Shivakumar said, “Priyank Kharge has nothing to do with the case and his name is not mentioned in the suicide note. The Opposition is unnecessarily demanding his resignation on the basis of baseless accusations.”
He further stated that the government will stand by the integrity of Priyank and the case will be investigated according to the law.
Slamming BJP state president B Y Vijayendra for releasing photographs of Raju Kapnoor with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Minister Priyank Kharge, he said, “Many people visit us or take photos during several events. Shall I release similar photos of Yediyurappa and Vijayendra with questionable individuals? If there’s credible evidence for their accusations, let them present it.”
Shivakumar further stated that BJP cannot tolerate the success of a Dalit leader, hence it was demanding Priyank’s resignation. “There’s no question of Priyank Kharge resigning. He has done nothing wrong. The Opposition is targeting him because they cannot tolerate a Dalit leader’s success as he has effectively led the IT-BT department and achieved significant progress,” the deputy chief minister said.