Bharatiya Janata Party State general secretary Shobha Karandlaje has alleged that the State government had “deputed” Home Minister’s adviser Kempaiah to Hubballi-Dharwad to protect Mines and Geology Minister Vinay Kulkarni by hushing up the murder case of zilla panchayat member Yogeshgouda.
Addressing a press conference here on Monday, Ms. Karandlaje accused Mr. Kempaiah of camping in Hubballi-Dharwad area and speaking to the investigation officer of the murder case, family members of Yogeshgouda and the local police officers.
Drop Kulkarni: Shobha
She demanded that Mr. Kulkarni be dropped from the ministry and the case should be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation for investigation.
Meanwhile, speaking at Nargund in Gadag district, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah defended Mr. Kulkarni, saying that the BJP was hatching a conspiracy to malign him.
‘BJP finding excuses’
Describing all allegations of criminal misconduct against Mr. Kulkarni as false, he said the BJP was finding excuses to damage his image.
“That is because of his active involvement in the agitation for separate religion status for Lingayats,” Mr. Siddaramaiah.
CM on Mahadayi
Speaking on the Mahadayi issue, he said it was beyond BJP State president Yeddyurappa’s capability to resolve the interstate row over sharing of the Mahadayi river waters.
Only Prime Minister Narendra Modi can resolve it if he wished to do so, Mr. Siddaramaiah said.
