Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday dismissed as publicity stunt a book released by JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy on the Arkavathi layout land controversy.
Speaking to reporters, he said documents made available in the book “Arkavathi Karmakanda” pertain to illegalities of previous BJP and the JD(S) governments. “The book does not have a single document to prove any illegality after I became the chief minister. This is because I have not denotified even a gunta of land,” he added.
Kumaraswamy released the book for the sake of publicity. It was a stunt aimed at gaining publicity. He could have submitted all the documents to the Kempanna Commission which is looking into the issue. There is no need to table the documents in the legislature, he added.
Siddaramaiah defended his government’s delay in providing all documents pertaining to the issue to the Commission. “The government will not hide anything. There are about a truck load of documents on the issue. Hence, there is some delay,” he stated.
Asked about charges that his government recommended renewal of mining lease for some companies in order to favour them, the chief minister said that he would reply on the issue in the Assembly.
Ban on Togadia
Siddaramaiah said that Bengaluru city police commissioner will take appropriate decision on VHP leader Praveen Togadia’s plans to make speech at “Hindu Viraat Samavesha” on Sunday in Bengaluru.
The commissioner will examine whether he (Togadia) can make speech through video conference at the convention. He will take appropriate decision as per law, the chief minister said. Siddaramaiah, Chief Minister: The book does not have a single document to prove any illegality after I became the chief minister. This is because I have not denotified even a gunta of land
Published 07 February 2015, 21:04 IST