Illegal Mining Report: HDK to Step Down as JD(S) Chief?
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore
Bangalore, Jul 21: Political leaders in the state are already feeling the heat in the wake of the leakage of Lokayukta's mining report, even before it is officially tabled by Justice N Santosh Hegde. A reliable source from Karnataka Janata Dal (Secular) has informed that Kumaraswamy is considering stepping down as JD(S) president.
On Wednesday July 20, the explosive report prepared by Lokayutka was leaked to the media, and four cabinet minister in the Yeddyurappa government and the chief minister himself were named in illegal mining and related issues.
State JD(S) leader Kumaraswamy's name was also mentioned in the report.
The demand for resignation of CM Yeddyurappa, who is currently in Maldives on a holiday is emanating from all corner of the state, specially from opposition parties JD(S) and Congress.
Political experts say that Kumaraswamy has lost the moral right to demand the CM's resignation, he being one of the accused in the illegal mining report.
However, Kumaraswamy ruled out the possibility of his stepping down, and at the same time did not leave any stone unturned to criticise his arch rival Yeddyurappa. He insisted that "Yedyurappa has no moral right to continue as CM of the state."
But sources told Daijiworld that Kumaraswamy's resignation as the JD(S) chief is not going to make any big difference in the state political scenario, as the next chief will surely be from the Gowda family again, either his wife Anitha Kumaraswamy or brother H D Revanna.
But the move will help JD(S) to accelerate the 'Yeddy Hatao' movement in the state.
On the other hand, BJP spokesperson Dhananjay Kumar has taken the mining report lightly and said, "Since the report has leaked even before its tabling, it has lost its sanctity, and people are not going to take it seriously."
Speaking to Daijiworld in Bangalore, Dhananjay Kumar asked, "Why should the CM resign? It is just a 'report' and we take it as an advice or suggestion from the Lokayukta. This is not a Supreme Court verdict to take action on the CM," said Kumar who is known to stand by the CM in times of crisis.
"First, a serious investigation is required into how the report got leaked to the media. Justice Hegde being in a responsible office should answer to the people, and a high-level inquiry should be ordered," Kumar said, trying to deviate attention from the mining report to the issue of its leakage.
"The report is not going to have any major impact on state politics," Kumar opined.
A section of the media alleges that strong political power is behind the leakage of the report. The leakage issue may play a significant role in sidelining the mining report.
According to sources, Santosh Hegde is planning to table the report on Friday, July 21. He is expected to meet state chief secretary to present the report.