'Siddaramaiah might have donated for Ram Mandir, but not revealing'

District In-charge Minister S T Somashekar slammed Leader of the Opposition Siddaramaiah for his comments on fundraiser for the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, and said that Siddaramaiah might have donated, but not revealing it in the public.

Speaking to reporters here, on Monday, the minister said, Siddaramaiah has no other issues to raise against the government and hence, taken up Ram Mandir fundraising programme, he said.

Somashekar said, “We have maintained accounts to ensure transparency and the fund raising system is planned in such a way that not even a single paisa will be misused.”

Somashekar said, “Common people, irrespective of caste, creed, religion and political party are donating for Ram Mandir. The people are donating voluntarily and we are not forcing anyone. The accounts will be available 100%. A 82-year-old retired teacher has given as donation in Mysuru.”

MP Pratap Simha said, “Siddaramaiah has refused to give details of expenses on the Ram Mandir being constructed at Siddaramaiah’s native village, Siddaramanahundi. We can give him the same reply, but we give accounts in detail.”

Simha also alleged that Siddaramaiah doubled the burden on the state by obtaining heavy loans. The state had a loan of Rs 1 lakh crore, but Siddaramaiah increased it to 2.8 lakh crore.

“First, let him give the accounts of the expenditure and where he misused the funds,” he said.

When asked about the series of protests from different communities demanding reservation, Somashekar said, “Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa and BJP state unit president Nalin Kumar Kateel will take a final call in this regard.”