Ananth Kumar demands probe into HDK's 'bribe demand'

Union Fertilisers Minister Ananth Kumar on Sunday said a comprehensive probe should be conducted into the allegation that JD(S) leader H D Kumarawamy demanded Rs 20-crore bribe for voting in favour of a candidate in the recently-held elections to State Legislative Council.

Speaking to reporters after taking part in the birth anniversary of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, he disagreed with Kumaraswamy on his statement that all political parties were indulging in such activities and that it was a political compulsion. “Demanding bribe might be political compulsion for the JD(S), but not for parties like the BJP,” he stated.

Followers of JD(S) leader from Bagalkot Vijugouda Patil had claimed that Kumaras­wamy demanded Rs 20 crore for making their leader an MLC.

A 35-minute audio CD was also released wherein Kumaraswamy allegedly demands money in return for his party MLAs’ votes in the polls. MLAs were the voters in elections to the Upper House.

The former chief minister has neither denied nor confirmed the allegation. He has, in turn, sought to know whether politicians in other parties were Harischandras. Kumaraswamy has also said he is ready for an open debate on the issue.

Ananth Kumar further said rigging has become a disease in the country’s electoral process. It has to be weeded out. Parliament some years ago took measures to ensure transparency in the elections to Rajya Sabha. Similar steps should be taken for the elections to Upper House in the State, he suggested.