K.S. Eshwarappa, Deputy Chief Minister and president of the State BJP unit, has expressed confidence of coming out clean after an inquiry by the Lokayukta into disproportionate assets case against him.
“Assets found during the Lokayukta raids at seven places recently were already been declared by me. I have not done anything wrong. It is true that many people have gifted silver maces and other silver articles to me, which I have declared. Additional assets that might have come to light now were acquired during the current year and would have be declared at the beginning of the next financial year,” Mr. Eshwarappa told journalists here.
To a question, Mr. Eshwarappa admitted that his son had acquired assets in Rajasthan along with his friend, valued at Rs. 38 lakh. “He is an entrepreneur and has plans to do some business. As such he has not done anything wrong by acquiring 17.5 acres of land. There are relevant records,” he said. He said he was aware as to who collected details of assets acquired by him and his family to file a private complaint with the Lokayukta. He said he would expose all those behind his character assassination.
‘Loses cool’
“Why should I tell you the details of the assets acquired by me and my family? Are you an income tax officer to ask all these details?” This is what Mr. Eshwarappa said when a journalist sought to know whether he had acquired any property in Bellary taluk.
“We might have acquired hundred and one properties at various places. Why should I give all the details to the media. And why should mediapersons pose such questions?” a visibly upset Mr. Eshwarappa said when his attention was drawn to reports making the rounds that his family members had acquired land near Kuditini in Bellary taluk.
The Deputy Chief Minister criticised Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly Siddaramaiah for seeking his resignation after the Lokayukta raid.
Mr. Eshwarappa said he and other senior leaders of the BJP would meet next week to decide the action to be initiated against those aligning themselves with the Kanataka Janata Paksha (KJP) led by the former Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa.
