Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Jul 20: MP Kota Srinivas Poojary has issued a stern warning, stating he will stage a protest if the allegations against him are not withdrawn. This comes after chief minister (CM) Siddaramaiah made corruption allegations against Kota.

Kota said, "CID is under your control. You have been the CM for a year. If I am guilty, you have the power to take action, including imprisonment. Yet, you have done nothing. When I was a minister, you were the opposition leader and never raised any issues. Now, you are making accusations to deflect attention from others involved in the Valmiki scandal."

Poojary demanded, "Retract the mention of my name. If not, immediately transfer the case to the CBI. If I have committed any wrongdoing, let the CBI investigate. Withdraw your statement within a week, or I will sit on a protest in front of the Gandhi statue between Vidhana Soudha and Vikasa Soudha, demanding a CBI investigation. In a democracy, the truth must prevail, and defaming someone requires proper justification."

Poojary also accused the Congress government of committing a grave offense by misusing funds meant for scheduled castes for the state's elections. He claimed that false accusations are being made against him to cover up their misconduct.

"In the previous government, false cases were also brought up. My name has been dragged into a scandal, alleging that I was involved in the borewell scam. I will send you an official letter regarding this matter. When I was a minister, I ordered a CID investigation into complaints of irregularities in the tender process,” he said.

Poojary detailed the reforms he introduced, stating, "For the first time in the state's history, farmers were allowed to directly purchase borewells without intermediaries. I established a system where funds were directly deposited into farmers' accounts, and they could procure borewells through any agency of their choice. This system is still in place today."

"Officials have confirmed to the chief minister and deputy chief minister that no corruption occurred while I was the Minister of Social Welfare. They have stated that not a single rupee was misused. You are making deliberate accusations against me. I have written to you seeking clarification. You have accused me in connection with the Bhovi Corporation's affairs. When Siddaramaiah was previously the CM, he appointed certain officials who were involved in misconduct and scams. I immediately suspended those officials and ordered a CID investigation into the matter,” he said.