The differences between Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Commissioner Siddaiah and Mayor S.K. Nataraj over the suspension of several BBMP officials on corruption charges, seems to be snowballing into a political tug-of-war.
On Wednesday, members and councillors belonging to the Janata Dal (Secular) staged a protest at the BBMP headquarters against the Mayor's request seeking the transfer of Commissioner. The demonstration follows a slew of developments in which the Mayor is said to have spoken to the Chief Minister seeking the transfer of Mr. Siddaiah.
The Hindu had on Tuesday reported the differences between the Mayor and the Commissioner.
‘Protecting the corrupt'
Accusing Mr. Nataraj of “protecting” the BBMP officials who were suspended on corruption charges, Padmanabha Reddy, Floor Leader of the Janata Dal (Secular) in the BBMP Council, said it was unfortunate that the “Mayor's suggestion to remove a Dalit officer came on the day the achievement of another, B.R. Ambedkar's contribution in framing the Indian Constitution, is celebrated.”
“If the Commissioner has done something wrong, the Mayor should let us know. He cannot remove Mr. Siddaiah just like that,” said Mr. Reddy, adding that they would intensify their agitation if the Commissioner was transferred.
Echoing Mr. Reddy's tirade, Leader of Opposition in the BBMP Council M. Nagaraj said Mr. Siddaiah should continue as he was doing a good job in keeping a check on corruption.
“I have also written close to 400 letters to the Commissioner on the issue of corruption. This Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Government is full of corruption,” he alleged.
Reacting to the furore against him, the Mayor maintained that Mr. Siddaiah had no right to suspend the officials before they were pronounced guilty.
“Neither was an enquiry conducted, nor have these officials been found guilty. We are in power for a reason as the people have elected us. He should have consulted us before taking a decision,” he said.
Mr. Nataraj mocked at the Commissioner's decision saying it was prompted by a tainted Yeshwanthpur councillor Munirathna. He added that Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa would talk to Mr. Siddaiah on the issue. Mr. Siddaiah was unavailable for comment.
