Kumaraswamy terms corruption charges as baseless

Bangalore, Sep 15 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today criticised the Congress leaders for submitting a memorandum to Governor T N Chaturvedi, demanding his dismissal over the bribery allegation issue, and termed the allegations as ''baseless and intended to mislead the people.'' Speaking to newspersons here, he said the Congress leaders have presented some bank transactions of his family members related to their business, which they were entitled to practice under the Constitution.

''If anybody from my family is found guilty of any violation in pursuing their business and profession, I will not spare them from action,'' he thundered, asking the Opposition party leaders to look at their background before hurling corruption charges at others.

Pointing out the balance sheet of a housing cooperative society, which had mentioned about payment of kickbacks to politicians for getting clearance for its housing projects, Mr Kumaraswamy sarcastically said it stood testimony to the Congress leaders' clean image.

To a question, he said he would not turn vindictive and order an inquiry against any individual, but would leave the issue of corruption to their conscience.

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