Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Jul 9: Attacking the Congress-led state government, particularly chief minister Siddaramaiah over the suicide of DySP M K Ganapati, the party's senior leader Janardhan Poojary, known for his no-holds-barred verbal tirades, on Saturday July 9 said that the chief minister is 'killing' the party in a bid to 'save one person', apparently referring to minister K J George who was among those named by Ganapati as being responsible if anything happened to him.
Addressing a press meet at the district Congress office here, Poojary said, "The suicide of DySP Ganapati has become a matter of shame not only to Karnataka but even to the entire world - it has become news even in foreign countries. Yesterday a lady called me from America and asked why I have been silent on the issue.
"Before committing suicide, DySP Ganapati had given a statement to the media. According to the law, no one tells lies before dying. It is a dying declaration and no collaboration is needed for this.
"In our system we have seen how politicians twist facts and try to close a case. Ganapati mentioned some names before dying. Why has the government not filed FIR and started the investigation? It is the duty of the government to do so," he said.
Targetting CM Siddaramaiah, he said, "The government is trying to save politicians before starting the investigation. Now my question to the CM is, why has FIR not been filed yet? You (Siddaramaiah) are trying to mislead the public. Being a CM, you have failed to understand the sensitivity of the case, even though the victim has given a dying declaration. Starting the investigation is raja dharma. Moreover, there is accusation against a cabinet minister, so if you are sincere and you are following the raja dharma, file the FIR and start the investigation. When there is a dying declaration there is no need of primary investigation. Even the Supreme Court has said this.
"When names have been mentioned, why has there been no arrest still? Are you (Siddaramaiah) aware of what the people are talking about the goverment? You are running the government and you are killing the party. This party is built by party workers. Congress is in a suicidal state. You do not know the culture of Congress - your culture is not of Congress. I have praised you earlier, but now I regret it. If you had any knowledge, you could have filed the FIR immediately. Just to save one person (K J George), you are killing Congress. Is he greater than the party?" Poojary lashed out.
Attacking the CM further, he said, "I saw your statements in the media that you will hand over the case to the CID. That's wonderful, but under whom is the CID working? CID is in the hands of the government. Can the CID do an unbiased probe? Do you think people are fools? You should hand over this case to the CBI, then people will trust you. What will happen if you give it to the CBI?"
Training guns on minister K J George, Poojary said, "If you have any faith and love for the Congress, then face the probe and save your own credibility. People will trust you if there is no blemish in your career. Power is not important, sincere service and duty are important. That is what remains ultimately.
"The DySP's wife and father have said that Ganapati was mentally stable. Today you may escape, but tomorrow or some day the CBI will come. We should not give scope for destruction of evidence," he added.
On PWD minister Mahadevappa's son's meeting with Mysuru DC Shikha, who was allegedly abused, he said, "What did he discuss? He went there to save Marigowda who is accused of abusing the DC. If the DC faces any harassment in future, the CM's political career will come to an end.
"If the CM has any morality, he should hand over the case to the CBI and allow it to arrest the persons involved. If there is an accusation, probe should be allowed," he added.
Asked if he wanted K J George to resign, he replied in the affirmative and said, "If he does not resign, the CM should sack him and all ministers should support the CM in this.
"The high command is watching all the developments. Dr Parameshwara being the KPCC president should protect the party and report everything to the high command. He should take courage and use this opportunity," he said.
Asked how political interference in the police department could be prevented in future, Poojary said, "The Election Commission should take serious note of this issue. Political representatives who interfere in the police functioning should be barred from contesting elections."
Kallige Taranath Shetty and T K Sudhir were present.