Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Oct 15: Former MP V S Ugrappa, blamed the BJP of trying to divert the attention of the people from important issues and misleading them by raking up emotional issues like common civil code, cow slaughter ban and others. He was addressing a press conference held at Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee office here on Monday October 14.

"It is the duty of the government to respond to the problems faced by the common people. But the BJP government both at the state and the centre have no pro-people agenda. To cover up for their follies, these governments are hoodwinking the people by arranging income tax raids. An effort is being made to project BJP leaders as clean and pure," he fumed.

He also targeted the BJP for chanting the name of Lord Ram but not picking his ideals on people-friendly governance. "If the BJP had knowledge about Lord Ram's rule, our economy would not have slid down. The central government is causing poverty to spread in the country," he said.

Ugrappa said that Dr G Parameshwar's personal assistant, Ramesh, committed suicide because of income tax officials. He charged the officials of income tax department of lying about visiting Ramesh's home, and demanded that a letter left behind by Ramesh before his death should be taken on evidence.

He also spoke against H Vishwanath, who was state JD(S) president before leaving his party. He also said that the election commission is dead, and not taking action although more grants are being released to districts and constituencies where bypoll is being held. He also sought resignation of union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, owning responsibility for Ramesh's demise. He further demanded stern action against income tax officials who caused Ramesh's death, and asked the central government to take over responsibility about the future of Ramesh's children.