<p>Congress on Sunday demanded resignation of Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa and a judicial inquiry into allegations of corruption against him, even as it questioned the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue.</p>.<p>“Mis-governance and corruption have become a signature of the Karnataka government. If Yediyurappa has the slightest sense of shame, he should resign or be sacked,” Congress spokesman Abhishek Manu Singhvi told a press conference here referring to alleged irregularities by the family members of the Karnataka Chief Minister.</p>.<p>Singhvi questioned Modi’s silence on the issue and wondered whether the “chowkidar” (watchman) was sleeping over the case allegedly involving Yediyurappa’s family members.</p>.<p>The matter relates to a Rs 662-crore construction of an apartment project in Bengaluru, Singhvi said and claimed media reports have "disclosed direct involvement of close relatives like son, son-in-law and grandson in corruption and bribery in connection with the project".</p>.<p>“It is unfortunate that you (PM Modi) are being a ‘chowkidar’ for others’ homes but allowing corruption take place in your own home,” Singhvi said.</p>.<p>“Why is he not subject to criminal proceedings? Does the Karnataka chief minister enjoy some special leverage,” the Congress spokesman asked.</p>.<p>Singhvi also recalled that Yediyurappa had to quit under a cloud of corruption allegations during his previous term as chief minister and was forced out of the BJP.</p>.<p>“PM can no longer remain mute. Test of PM’s commitment – Punish Corruption or Be Mute,” AICC General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala said.</p>.<p>The Congress leader cited a purported communication between a close relative of Yediyurappa and another person referring to a bribe paid by a contractor to a top Bengaluru Development Authority official.</p>.<p>Singhvi claimed that an additional bribe was sought and paid through shell companies in Kolkata.</p>.<p>He said the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act must be invoked and the allegations probed.</p>.<p>"The most remarkable and virtually admitted allegations of unabashed corruption and we don't even find a criminal investigation," Singhvi said, adding that even an FIR was not filed over it.</p>.<p>"We demand...appoint a sitting Supreme Court (judge) or a sitting Chief Justice of a High Court as an inquirer for two months," he said.</p>.<p>The Congress has been accusing the Yediyurappa government of indulging in corruption, a charge it has categorically denied.</p>.<p><em>(With inputs from PTI)</em></p>
<p>Congress on Sunday demanded resignation of Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa and a judicial inquiry into allegations of corruption against him, even as it questioned the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue.</p>.<p>“Mis-governance and corruption have become a signature of the Karnataka government. If Yediyurappa has the slightest sense of shame, he should resign or be sacked,” Congress spokesman Abhishek Manu Singhvi told a press conference here referring to alleged irregularities by the family members of the Karnataka Chief Minister.</p>.<p>Singhvi questioned Modi’s silence on the issue and wondered whether the “chowkidar” (watchman) was sleeping over the case allegedly involving Yediyurappa’s family members.</p>.<p>The matter relates to a Rs 662-crore construction of an apartment project in Bengaluru, Singhvi said and claimed media reports have "disclosed direct involvement of close relatives like son, son-in-law and grandson in corruption and bribery in connection with the project".</p>.<p>“It is unfortunate that you (PM Modi) are being a ‘chowkidar’ for others’ homes but allowing corruption take place in your own home,” Singhvi said.</p>.<p>“Why is he not subject to criminal proceedings? Does the Karnataka chief minister enjoy some special leverage,” the Congress spokesman asked.</p>.<p>Singhvi also recalled that Yediyurappa had to quit under a cloud of corruption allegations during his previous term as chief minister and was forced out of the BJP.</p>.<p>“PM can no longer remain mute. Test of PM’s commitment – Punish Corruption or Be Mute,” AICC General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala said.</p>.<p>The Congress leader cited a purported communication between a close relative of Yediyurappa and another person referring to a bribe paid by a contractor to a top Bengaluru Development Authority official.</p>.<p>Singhvi claimed that an additional bribe was sought and paid through shell companies in Kolkata.</p>.<p>He said the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act must be invoked and the allegations probed.</p>.<p>"The most remarkable and virtually admitted allegations of unabashed corruption and we don't even find a criminal investigation," Singhvi said, adding that even an FIR was not filed over it.</p>.<p>"We demand...appoint a sitting Supreme Court (judge) or a sitting Chief Justice of a High Court as an inquirer for two months," he said.</p>.<p>The Congress has been accusing the Yediyurappa government of indulging in corruption, a charge it has categorically denied.</p>.<p><em>(With inputs from PTI)</em></p>
