Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers and senior BJP leader H.N. Ananth Kumar has attributed the growing unrest in the police department and allegedly deteriorating law and order situation in the State to the ongoing “cold war” between the Karnataka Pradesh Congress president and Home Minister, G. Parameshwara, and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Addressing teachers and graduates at an election meeting organised in support of BJP candidates in North West Graduates/Teachers’ constituencies of State Legislative Council at B.K. Model school building here on Monday, he said the Chief Minister and Home Minister were directly responsible for allowing a situation wherein the police personnel were up in arms for better pay packages and better working and living conditions. He said the cold war between the two top Congress leaders had left 6.50 crore population suffering for one or the other reasons since their government came into power in the State three years ago.
“Is this government not aware of the 50% vacancies and housing problems faced by police personnel? But you were busy with your cold war and neglected the problems concerning the police personnel and department’s functioning,” he said.
'Cong. poaching legislators'
The Union MInister also alleged that the Congress is engaged in “horse-trading” and “poaching” legislators belonging to other political parties to grab more seats in the Rajya Sabha. He said the Election Commission of India should issue a composite direction vis-à-vis the sting operation in which legislators were shown demanding cash for vote in connection with the Rajya Sabha elections and every party should abide by its direction. On JD(S) leader H.D. Revanna’s demand for countermanding the elections, Mr.Kumar said “One point is not a solution.”
A report on the sting operation wherein some legislators were shown demanding money for vote was already before the ECI and a direction from the latter was expected soon. Postponing the election would force repetition of the election process afresh, he said.
