Have proof of corruption in transfers under Congress govt: Kumaraswamy flashes pen drive

BENGALURU: Days after he alleged that there was corruption in transfer of officials under the Congress government, former chief minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader H D Kumaraswamy on Wednesday said he had ‘documents’ regarding the transfer syndicate. He even flashed a pen drive from his pocket to make his point.

Speaking to reporters outside Vidhana Soudha, Kumaraswamy claimed, “There were two transfers effected in the Energy Department yesterday and Rs 10 crore was paid for each post. One of those who has been transferred makes Rs 50 lakh every day”, he said. On when he would release the evidence, he said he will do it at an appropriate time.

When questioned further on what the pen drive contained, Kumaraswamy said it had an ‘audio’ related to the alleged corruption in transfers. Referring to the transfer of the district health officer in Mandya, the JD(S) leader said, “They take those who are under investigation and placed under suspension”.

Lashing out at the Congress, which had taunted him for having an accommodation at the Taj West End hotel, Kumaraswamy questioned whether any bills were sent to the Congress government to be settled. “Am I a nobody? Can’t I afford to spend Rs 2-3 lakh per month? I still use the accommodation, do I have to take their permission to use the washroom? They are the ones who misused relief funds”, he shot back.

Continuing his tirade, Kumaraswamy said there was no ‘KST’ for transfers during his term as chief minister in the coalition government. “I am not the one who screened a blue film in a tent at a village. I am not the one who bought liquor for rowdies. Someone told me about a ‘nagadu abhivruddhi’ (cash development) department in the present government. I knew only about a ‘nagarabhivruddhi’ department (Urban Development Department), now they have a ‘nagadu abhivruddhi’ department also”, he remarked.

Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar refused to react, saying the opposition can continue with its politics.

To a question regarding an investigation into his assets, Kumaraswamy said, “Let them do it. Let them investigate how much property I had before I entered politics and how much I have now”.

Reacting to senior BJP leader B S Yediyurappa extending support to him in the fight against corruption, Kumaraswamy said, “I welcome all those who take up the fight to save the state’s resources”. Referring to a proposal to have tunnel roads in Bengaluru, he said it will turn the city into a watery grave. “As it is, development is dead. Don’t spoil the city by digging tunnels, take up work in a scientific manner”, he said.

Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said, “Let them do their politics. Let them drop any bomb. Our duty is to work for the people and we will do that”.