Congress to Organise ‘Raj Bhavan Chalo’ March Demanding Prosecution of Kumaraswamy

Countering the recent padayatra by BJP demanding resignation of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over the land allotment controversy, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Friday announced that Congress will take out a ‘Raj Bhavan Chalo’ march demanding prosecution of Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy in a mining lease case.

Shivakumar said while addressing a press conference at the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee office, “There are appeals pending before the Governor seeking permission to prosecute HD Kumaraswamy, APPCC former minister Murugesh Nirani, Janardhan Reddy, and Shashikala Jolle. We are organizing this march to impress upon the Governor to grant sanction against these leaders.”

This counter-programme by the Congress party is to put pressure on Governor Thawarchand Gehlot. The move comes when the ruling party is trying to make a move against the Governor after he gave his nod to prosecute the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in another case.

The Lokayukta’s appeal to prosecute Kumaraswamy over a mining case has been pending with the Governor for some time. Despite a detailed investigation of 10 years, the Governor has yet to give sanction,” Shivakumar added.

While the ‘Raj Bhavan Chalo’ march will commence in front of the Gandhi statue near Vidhana Soudha at 10 am and march up to Raj Bhavan, the Chief Minister will lead the rally joined by Congress ministers, MLAs, MLCs, and MPs to present an appeal to the Governor.

Shivakumar attacked the Governor for permitting the prosecution of the Chief Minister sans preliminary investigation and delaying decisions on other cases. He pointed out that Lokayukta SIT had recommended prosecution sanction against Kumaraswamy for alleged illegal allotment of an iron ore mine and nothing had been done.

To Kumaraswamy’s claim that his signature in approving the mining license was forged, Shivakumar asked him why he had not filed a complaint if his signature was really forged. “If the signature was not his, why did he apply for bail? He needs to file a complaint if he believes the signature is forged,” Shivakumar said.

When reporters asked him about looking into the claims of Kumaraswamy’s signature, he replied, “First, let him give a complaint. We can enquire after a complaint is given. It is not proper to cause delay in giving a complaint; he can even make it online.’

Shivakumar also talked about land grants to Jindal and Kharge’s Trusts “All government decisions should be open; the government will react after all the details are scrutinised.

Others present at the press conference were KPCC Working President GC Chandrashekar, spokespersons M Lakshman, and Women’s Wing President Sowmya Reddy.