From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Oct 13: Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President D K Shivakumar has denied his involvement in the ’percentage kickbacks' allegedly received in the irrigation department contracts as revealed in leaked conversation between KPCC Working President Salim Ahmed and former party MP V S Ugrappa as aired in the TV channels.
Addressing a news conference at the KPCC office on Wednesday, Shivakumar made it very clear that he had no involvement in the scandal as shown in TV channels and asserted that the party has nothing to do with the percentage kickbacks in the irrigation department contracts as allegedly claimed by Salim Ahmed in the leaked conversation with Ugrappa.
“Ugrappa has already clarified that the conversation was not true and Shivakumar was not named,’’ Shivakumar said and asserted that the decision of the Congress party’s disciplinary committee is binding on all.
Shivakumar said: “I am not contending that the conversation did not take place. The internal and private conversation among two persons does not become official. Ugrappa has already clarified. Let the disciplinary committee headed by former Council Chairman K Rehman Khan take note of the issue and inquire.’’
Answering questions on Home Minister Araga Jnanendra’s statement that he is ready order a probe if a formal complaint is lodged, the KPCC Chief said: “Why should the government wait for a formal complaint? Let them order a suo motu probe. I welcome it.’’
Shivakumar said he does not want to deny that the conversation did not take place. “I am only saying that I am not involved. I have not received any percentage in irrigation contracts and the party is also not involved,’’ he said.
He pointed out that the media has done its work and aired the conversation just as it did regarding the conversation between former Chief Minister Yediyurappa and late Union Minister Ananth Kumar or the conversations involving Adagur Vishwanath, Basanagouda Patil Yatnal. “My only point that I wish to declare is that I have nothing to do with the alleged conversation,’’ he added.
Shivakumar said those who clap, shout slogans, hurl stones, abuses or eggs and criticise are common in politics. Such persons are there in all parties. But there is no groupism and factionalism in the party. “I do not belong to any faction nor support any group. Party is important to me,’’ he declared.
He made it clear that he was not aware of the statement by BJP National General Secretary C T Ravi that those who conspired against former KPCC President and Deputy Chief Minister Dr G Parameshwar, were behind the conspiracy against him and said he will speak about it after verifying details.
Shivakumar pointed out that nobody has made any official or public comment on percentage kickbacks. They must have spoken about the 30% commission received by BJP leaders as alleged by Adaguru Vishwanath, he said and asked why nobody asked a former minister when he allegedly spoke about the corruption in the BJP in his own bedroom.
“The Congress party is united and there is no groupism nor is anybody gunning for me. I am not afraid of anybody,’’ he declared.
As far as corruption is concerned, nobody can beat BJP. “This government was formed due to corruption and is surviving because of corruption,’’ he said.