Money Laundering, Tax Evasion Goes on Openly in State: Governor

From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore

Bangalore, Dec 29: A day after Congress party submitted voluminous documentary evidence alleging that the Obulapuram Mining Company of Bellary Reddy brothers – Tourism Minister G Janardhana Reddy and Revenue Minister G Karunakara Reddy and their close associate, Health Minister B Sriramlu, had evaded income tax of around Rs 86 crore, Karnataka Governor H R Bhardwaj has launched a broadside against the ruling BJP regime by stating that money laundering and tax evasion was openly going on in the State.

The Governor, who has been taking potshots at the B S Yeddyurappa regime almost regularly, told reporters on Wednesday: ''I am fully aware of the situation. Money laundering is going on rampantly. Tax evasion is also happening. This is shameful."

He was responding to questions from the media on the Congress party’s demand for the dismissal of the three Bellary ministers and also the huge pile of documentary evidence submitted to him by two advocates seeking permission for prosecuting the three ''powerful ministers" as also the chief minister and his sons under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The two city-based advocates led by Siraj Bhasha and K N Balakrishna through their forum, Justice Lawyers, had submitted a 150-page complaint with supporting documents of around 1500 pages seeking the Governor’s sanction to prosecute the Chief Minister, his two sons and the three cabinet ministers. The complaint also alleged that the Obulapuram Mining Company of Reddy brothers and Sriramalu had evaded income tax of around Rs 86 crore.

''Yes. I have received the complaint and the bulky documentary evidence. I need time to study and apply my mind. I cannot take a sudden decision without properly examining the contents. I will definitely take my own time and decide in due course," Bhardwaj said pointing out that he cannot indicate a time-frame for his decision.

Bhardwaj made no secret of his annoyance and unhappiness at the Yeddyurappa regime’s handling of the various charges against the government.

Answering questions on the state government’s decision to convene the joint session of the state legislature from January 6 and the chief minister’s public remarks that he would be meeting him (Governor) once in every 15 days and seek his suggestions, Bhardwaj said: ''I have also read the newspaper reports. The Chief Minister is always welcome to meet me and I have no problem in discussing any subject he wants. I am willing to offer my suggestions."

''I have been in politics for a long time. I have held various positions and have served as Union Law Minister. I am the head of the government and I have certain constitutional rights and prerogatives. I have to obey and ensure that the constitutional norms are not flouted," he said.

The Governor said he was constitutionally bound to address the joint session of the state legislature when it meets on January 6 as it will be the first session of the legislature during the year 2011. The Governor has to address the joint session whenever it is convened," he said.

However, he declined to indicate whether he would read the address prepared the Yeddyurappa regime while addressing the joint session or make changes. ''I have to first see the draft and make up my mind. It is the state cabinet’s duty to prepare and approve the governor’s address to the joint session. You will definitely know when the joint session of the state legislature meets because whatever I do must be transparent," he said.

BJP accused of unleashing money power to win ZP/TP polls

Meanwhile, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president Dr G Parameshwar accused the ruling BJP of ''unleashing money power" to woo the voters of taluk and zilla panchayats besides misusing official machinery for manipulating the voters list to its advantage.

The State Congress president, however, claimed that a definite wave in favour of his party and new enthusiasm among Congressmen was visible throughout the state.

The first phase of the TP and ZP elections covering 12 districts was held on December 26, and 17 districts would go the polls in the second phase on December 31 and Gulbarga district on January 1. The results would be declared on January 4.

Dr Parameshwar, who is facing his first electoral battle after becoming the KPCC chief, said he was confident that the people would give their verdict against the Yeddyurappa government, tainted by allegations of corruption and land scams.

Referring to Yeddyurappa’s statement that size of the government’s next budget would be more than rupees one lac crore, he said funds released for various sectors and departments in the current financial year so far have not exceeded 40 per cent.

Yeddyurappa has been making false statements to gain voters’ sympathy in elections and as per his information, the Public Works Department alone has not cleared pending bills worth Rs 3,000 crore, the KPCC chief said.