Arkavathi: KPCC chief dares Oppn to approach panel

G Parameshwara, president of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, said on Sunday that the BJP and JD(S) were frustrated with the growing popularity of the Congress government and were trying to destabilise it.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a meeting of the District Congress here, the Congress State chief said that the attempt of the two parties would prove futile as the government was strong.

Challenging the BJP and JD(S) to opt for the legal path to prove their allegations against the chief minister in the Arkavathi Layout denotification case, the KPCC president said that both the parties were only using the case as a political weapon. He said if the BJP and JD(S) had proof to substantiate the charges, they could approach the Justice Kempanna Commission, the Lokayukta or the court.

He said when the Congress had accused former chief minister Yeddyurappa of his involvement in the mining scam, the party had all evidence to prove it and that the party had approached the Lokayukta. Parameshwara said that the chief minister had evidence to prove his innocence.

The KPCC chief said that Siddaramaiah met top party leaders in Delhi as he had been to the capital for the meeting of the Niti Ayog and not to clarify on the Arkavathi controversy, as reported in the media. Parameshwara said that cabinet expansion solely depends on the decision of the chief minister. Siddaramaiah might expand the cabinet shortly, the KPCC chief said.

To a query over him joining the cabinet, he said that it is the high command and the party’s senior leaders who will take a decision.

Parameshwara said, “The chief minister and I play different roles and both are performing effectively.”

He said that the list of people to be appointed as directors and members of various boards and corporations had already been prepared and the appointments would be done after the legislature session.

Parameshwara said that the government had released Rs 12 crore for the revival of the Brahmavar sugar factory. He said that the technical aspects were being worked out, following which the department concerned would embark on measures for the revival of the factory.