K'taka Cong Fact Finding Committee members demand apology from CM

Bangalore, Jul 3 (UNI) Members of the fact finding committee of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee headed by former minister Kagodu Thimmappa to study large scale acquisition of land by the government for creating special econnomic zone and new townships around the city, today demanded apology from Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy for his remarks against some of them.

Speaking to newsmen here Mr Thimmappa took exception to certain remarks made by the Chief Minister against some members and demanded that he should either withdraw it or seek public apology. He dared the Chief Minister to substantiate his charges that some members had indulged in land grabbing and refer the issue to any kind of probe by any agency including the Central Bureau of Investigation.

Otherwise he should apologise for having made such 'character assassination,' he demanded.

Replying to queries he said it was only a fact finding committee and had nothing to do with politics. The report would be prepared during this week, he added. The committee members visited various villages during last two days including the Nandagudi, Ramanagara Bidadi and Sathnur and spoke to villagers. Nearly 90 per cent of them were small land holders and they did not want to part with their lands, he observed.

He alleged that the government had thrown all norms into winds to acquire the land from farmers. If need be the committee would attract the attention of the centre with regard to flouting of guidelines prescribed for creation of special economic zone, he added.

UNI