Siddaramaiah warns against indiscipline in bureaucracy

 Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday warned that he would not tolerate indiscipline in the bureaucracy, in the wake of his government facing embarrassment over the issue of ADGP P Ravindranath allegedly taking photographs of two women and his subsequent allegation of untouchability against Bangalore City Police Commissioner Raghavendra Auradkar.

Interacting with the media on the occasion of his government completing one year in office, he said strict action would be taken against the officials who refuse to obey the government orders. “The officials have to obey the orders. They will obey. If not, action will be taken,” he said, without taking the name of any officer.

Asked whether the government had failed to handle the issue, he said there was no failure on part of the government. The complaint by the women has been registered and a CID probe had been ordered. An impartial probe will be conducted into the issue. The government will take appropriate action after the probe,” he added.

He, however, claimed that there was no indiscipline in the State police department. He also ruled out transferring Bangalore City police commissioner against whom Ravindranath has filed a case alleging that he was practising untouchability.

To query whether he will accept the resignation of Ravindranath, the chief minister said he had not received it.

On his keeping off Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony, Siddaramaiah reiterated that he had already scheduled programmes. “I will meet the prime minister when I go to Delhi and greet him and seek his cooperation for the development of the State. I will also take all MPs of the State into confidence.” 

Asked whether he will take the responsibility of the Congress defeat in Mysore and Mandya, he said he was the chief minister for the entire State and not for one or two districts. “I cannot be held responsible for the defeat. It is the collective responsibility of the party leaders,” Siddaramaiah, who hails from Mysore district, said.

Criminal cases

Siddaramaiah, who listed out key decisions taken in the last one year by his government, said he has directed the Food and Civil Supplies department to book criminal cases against those who do not voluntarily disclose bogus ration cards. The government will let off those who disclose bogus cards voluntarily. If not criminal cases will be filed, he added.

Minister for Information Roshan Baig said the government has decided to rename Information Department as Department of Information and Public Relations. The department will soon construct a media centre in Bangalore at the cost of Rs 5 crore, he added.