Siddaramaiah's much-talked watch issue echoes in Lok Sabha

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s much-talked about Rs 70-lakh wristwatch figured in a Lok Sabha debate on Wednesday with BJP member Pralhad Joshi demanding a “comprehensive inquiry” into the episode.

Speaking immediately after Rahul Gandhi, Joshi slammed the “double standards” of the Congress on issues of corruption putting top Congress leaders in a tight spot.

“The chief minister claims an NRI gifted the watch to him. He should make it public from where it was purchased, whether customs duty and other taxes were paid, and whether FEMA guidelines were followed,” Joshi said.

“The Karnataka chief minister is wearing a Rs 70-lakh watch. We want to know whether the chief minister is a socialist, a Lohiaite or a mere pleasure-seeking person,” Joshi said, demanding that the Centre order an inquiry into the issue.

Leader of the Congress Mallikarjun Kharge jumped to Siddaramaiah’s defence claiming that the BJP member was discussing issues related to the State government in the Lok Sabha. He also wanted AIADMK member P Venugopal, who was in the chair, to expunge the remarks made by Joshi from Parliamentary proceedings.