JOIN USPublic Works Minister H C Mahadevappa’s son Sunil Bose partying with policemen in Mysuru recently, generated much heat in the Legislative Council on Tuesday.
Leader of the Opposition in the Council K S Eshwarappa demanded Mahadevappa’s resignation in the wake of the incident. “The incident (partying) is a testimony to how the minister’s son has been misusing power in Mysuru. Mahadevappa has defended the incident. He has no moral right to remain a minister. He should immediately resign or the chief minister should sack him,” Eshwarappa demanded.
Bose is accused of involvement in illegal sand mining in T Narsipur. A case filed against him in 2010 is still pending. “Policemen partying with Bose proves how he has been misusing the official machinery. Illegal sand mining mafia had attacked the police and revenue officials who tried to take action against them. Officials in Mysuru district, including Deputy Commissioner C Shikha, openly admitted that illegal mining is rampant,” he said.
Eshwarappa’s charges triggered a heated exchange between the Opposition and the treasury benches. Mahadevappa strongly denied all charges and claimed that the Lokayukta has given a clean chit to his son. “Eshwarappa is politicising the issue. I am ready to resign if the charges are proved,” he said.
On the partying incident, the minister said every individual has a right to lead her/his personal life. “If the incident is against any rule book, the law will take its course. I have never defended the incident nor am I against taking action against anybody,” he added.
Eshwarappa said policemen partying with influential people is against the Karnataka Police Manual. The government has taken action against a policeman for partying with Bose. “Why take action only against the policemen? Why not the minister and his son?” he asked.
House committee probe
Besides, Eshwarappa demanded that a Council committee should be set up to probe the charges of involvement of Bose in illegal sand mining.
Replying to the debate, Minister for Mines and Geology Vinay Kulkarni claimed the government has taken all measures to control illegal sand mining. As many 5,486 cases have been filed and about Rs 30 crore collected as fine in 2014-15. In 2015-16, 296 cases have been filed and Rs 2.5 crore fine collected.
The Assembly has already constituted a House committee on illegal sand mining. The panel will submit its final report in two months. Appropriate action will be taken on the recommendations of the committee. If necessary, sand mining policy will also be changed, he added. Not satisfied with the reply, the BJP members staged a walkout.