Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Apr 10: Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H D Kumaraswamy on Thursday criticised Congress MLA and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s Economic Advisor Basavaraj Rayareddy for withdrawing his controversial remarks on corruption in Karnataka.
Speaking to reporters, Kumaraswamy said Rayareddy had spoken the truth initially and questioned why he needed to backtrack. “There was no need for Rayareddy to make a U-turn. His first statement itself shows how sincerely Congress leaders uphold Mahatma Gandhi’s slogan of ‘Satyameva Jayate,’” he remarked.
Dismissing Congress leaders' claims, Kumaraswamy said the JD(S) government was never involved in fostering a commission-driven culture in contracts.
“When I was Chief Minister, contractors were paid promptly without delay. During my tenure, commission rackets never made it to the steps of Vidhana Soudha. Congress leaders who call themselves ‘satyasandhas’ (truthful) must reflect on this," he said.
Taking a jibe at Rayareddy’s retraction, Kumaraswamy said, "Poor man… I understand the fear he must be under. Power often weakens one’s voice."
He further accused Rayareddy of turning a blind eye to the scams under the present government. "Is Rayareddy so naive that he is unaware of the scams unfolding under the Congress regime? Being part of the Congress 'East India Company' government looting Karnataka, where does he have the moral right to comment on JD(S)?" Kumaraswamy asked.
Rayareddy had stirred controversy during an interaction organised by the Regional Imbalance Redressal Committee in Koppal, where he had stated that Karnataka was "No.1 in corruption" and that rampant graft was hampering quality development.
He had said, “Buildings that once stood for five to six decades are now collapsing within ten years. Corruption, particularly in the Kalyan Karnataka region, is alarming.”
However, following the backlash, Rayareddy clarified that his remarks were misrepresented. He claimed he never directly accused any government — past or present — and only highlighted that poor quality of work had tarnished the state’s reputation.
“I only said the state has been branded for corruption because of substandard work. I did not level corruption charges against any government. This is not a new statement; I have mentioned it earlier in the Assembly and during discussions with the Chief Minister,” Rayareddy stated.