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Siddu appoints his man Friday Kempaiah adviser to George

Last Updated 01 August 2014, 21:09 IST

Unmindful of the adverse comments, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday appointed former IPS officer Kempaiah as advisor to Home Minister K J George. Kempaiah will enjoy the rank of a minister of state. A notification in this regard was issued on Friday evening with immediate effect.

The chief minister has not explained the need for creating the post. It is also not known whether George had sought an advisor. This is the first time an advisor has been appointed to the state home minister.

Kempaiah is known for his proximity to Siddaramaiah. Few months ago, there were rumours that he would be an advisor to the chief minister on security matters. But several ministers and legislators had opposed the idea. Even senior police officers opposed it, though not in public. The officers were of the view that there should not be two parallel power centres, when it comes to taking policy decisions. Also, they felt that security related matters should not shared with such appointees.

Another apprehension the officers had expressed was possible intervention in sensational cases probed by them.

The Legislators alleged that Kempaiah was interfering in the functioning of the home department, especially in police transfers. George has of late come under severe criticism from various quarters for the deteriorating law and order situation. The opposition BJP demanded his resignation following increase in crimes against women in the state.

BJP spokesperson and MLC Ashwathnarayan said appointing a retired police officer as advisor to the home minister suggests that George has been unsuccessful in keeping law and order under control.

“If such is the scenario, of appointing a retired police officer as a advisor to the home minister, why do we need him (George)? If he has any shame, let the home minister resign and walk out of the cabinet,” he added. Ashwathnarayan said that the chief minister had previously denied appointing Kempaiah, but has now retracted his own statement by issuing the Government Order.

He said the appointment to oversee the administrative reforms and transfers in the police department indicates the sinking of the law and order situation. “Was the administration so bad? If so, why is the government still protecting George?” the MLC said.

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(Published 01 August 2014, 21:09 IST)

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