Cong MLC's diary emerged during Lokayukta probe, says BJP

BJP leader Shobha Karandlaje on Sunday said that the details of Congress MLC K Govindaraj’s diary came to light during the Lokayukta investigation.

Later, television channels aired the details and thus exposed the Congress, Shobha said while addressing the BJP workers after inaugurating a workshop organised by the art and culture wing of the party in Bengaluru.

The Udupi-Chikkmagaluru MP said that one V Kumar had lodged a complaint with the Lokayukta accusing the state government of having taken Rs 65 crore bribe for awarding the steel flyover work in Hebbal in Bengaluru. The tender route was bypassed. The Lokayukta registrar had written to the Income Tax department seeking details of the contents of the diary.

Specified proforma

In its reply, the I-T department had asked the Lokayukta to send its request in a specified proforma.

Accordingly, the Lokayukta replied. The BJP is in possession of the files transacted in this regard. The party has definite information regarding the seized diary of Govindaraj, she claimed.

When contacted by DH, Lokayukta Justice P Vishwanath Shetty said the matter will be dealt with as per the law. He, however, did not deny the communication between the Lokayukta institution and the Income Tax Department.

Blame games

“These are sensitive issues. The Lokayukta institution will take every decision in accordance with the law. I want to keep the Lokayukta institution away from political blame games. Let them fight it out in the Assembly. I don’t want to comment on the statement of any politician,” Justice Shetty said.