BJP levels fresh charges against Gowda family

Bangalore, May 7: An aide of Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa today (May 7) claimed that the family of former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda had purchased land, including commercial property, valued at Rs 680 crore near the city.

A list of agricultural land and commercial property allegedly purchased in 2005-07 by Gowda and his family including his son, former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, was released here by B J Puttaswamy, Political Secretary to Yeddyurappa.

He, however, did not furnish documentary proof, saying he could provide the copies to whoever wanted it.

Puttaswamy came up with the allegations a day after Gowda, JDS chief, launched a "people's movement" targeting the BJP government over alleged corruption, nepotism and favouritism.

Kumaraswamy, JDS state unit president, is leading another rally from Basavakalyana in Bidar district.

"The rallies being organised by Gowda is a big joke as he and his sons face several allegations of corruption. It is like devil quoting the scriptures," Puttaswamy, who has been attacking the former prime minister and his sons, said.

"If they (Gowda and sons) want Yeddyurappa government to quit on corruption charges, what should be done to these people. Should they be thrown into Arabian sea?," he asked.

Majority of the land was purchased when Kumaraswamy headed the JDS-BJP Coalition government in 2006-2007, he alleged. The JDS ''anti-corruption'' rally will culminate in Shimoga, home turf of Yeddyurappa, on May 9.

PTI