Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Jul 6: Sparks have flown between minister for large and medium scale industries, K J George, and chairman of Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Ltd (KSDL), Byrathi Basavaraj, on the issue of transfer of the managing director (MD) of KSDL. Byrathi, who is the MLA representing K R Pura, frustrated at the fact that his opinion is not being enough importance, has also offered to resign from his post, sources said.

Byrathi had planned to transfer current MD of KSDL, Ravikumar, and replace himbwith Vijayakumar Shetty. But George had cold-shouldered his initiative. He then directly approached chief minsister, H D Kumaraswamy, and obtained his approval for this transfer. Still, George had struck his decision of not relieving Ravikumar. It is learnt that recently, friction had happened between George and Basavaraju on this issue but George has remained adamant, sources say.

Fed up by these developments, Byrathi Basavaraj has decided to return the facilities provided to him by the government. As a first step towards implementing this decision, he has returned the government car provided to him. He also visited the residence of Siddaramaiah, who is deemed close to George, and expressed his displeasure to him. He told Siddaramaiah that there is no meaning in continuing in the post of the MD of KSDL. He explained that he is a two-time MLA and chairman of KSDL. "If being the chairman, I do not have the liberty to get the officer of my choice, what is the purpose of continuing in that post?" he reportedly questioned the leader.