JD(S)-BJP Comm for inquiry into bribery charge

Bangalore, Jul 20: The Coordination Committee meeting of the ruling Janata Dal (Secular) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) combine in Karnataka today favoured an inquiry into the bribery allegation against Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and his Cabinet colleagues and illegal mining operations in Bellary district.

The Committee, however, left the decision on the nature of the inquiry to the State Cabinet, likely to meet tomorrow.

Briefing newspersons after the coordination meeting, JD(S) leader and State Transport Minister C Cheluvarayaswamy said Home Minister M P Prakash had been asked to consult legal experts to decide the kind of inquiry to be initiated into both the bribery charge and illegal mining operations.

The Committee wanted either criminal proceedings or a defamation case filed against suspended BJP leader G Janardhana Reddy, who had accused the Chief Minister of collecting Rs 150 crore from mining operators in Bellary district.

Mr Cheluvarayaswamy said the issue of changing Bellary district incharge Minister did not figure in the meet.

The Committee expressed satisfaction over the disciplinary action initiated against Mr Reddy by BJP.

Mr Kumaraswamy, Public Works Minister H D Revanna, Mr Prakash and himself represented the JD(S), while BJP General Secretary H N Ananth Kumar, Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa and State BJP President D V Sadananda Gowda attended from the BJP.

The Committee met inconclusively last night to discuss the issue.

UNI

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