'Not Me, but PM, HM Must Resign' - Yeddy
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore
Bangalore, Jul 26: The political drama in the state took a new twist in the capital of Karnataka on Tuesday July 26 morning, a day before the submission of the all-important Lokayukta report on illegal mining.
Chief minister B S Yeddyurappa, who has been indicted in the report, was at his blasting best while talking to the press on Tuesday morning, directly launching attacks at Congress for the prevaling corruption in the country.
"Why are they asking for my resignation? It is not me, but the Prime Minister of this country along with home minister P Chidambaram who must resign after A Raja's allegations against them in the 2G scam. They are responsible for the spread of corruption in the country. It was the Congress which started the mining scam in the state. Earlier, district in-charge minister of Bellary had been collecting money from every mine truck that moved from the query," blasted Yeddyurappa.
"I will be the chief minister of this state for the next two years. I do not care for opposition firing, but will concentrate on the development of the state. As scheduled there will be meeting of members of the Parliament on July 31 and BJP legislative council meeting on August 5. I will be travelling across the state to tell the truth to the people on how the opposition is trying to topple the government, and preventing development work in the state."
On the other hand, political activities in the state are taking a new dimension every now and then. The Lokayukta appointment by the state government in a hurried move has raised eyebrows once again. The appointment of Justice Shivaraj Patil was not consulted with the opposition, it is learnt. It was earlier decided that the Lokayukta will be chosen on August 1 or 2, but the sudden decision by the BJP government shows that there is anxiety and uncertainty about the chief minister continuing in power.
In another development, state chief secretary has told the media that once the report is submitted by Lokayukta Santosh Hegde, the state will form a committee to study the report. Within three months the report will be studied and then it would be decided whether to accept it or not.
One wonders if this is a tactic by the state government to buy some more time for the chief minister.