Kumaraswamy slams CM for rejecting his demand for CBI probe

Bangalore, July 11: JDS leader HD Kumaraswamy today (Jul 11) flayed Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa's rejection of his demand for a CBI probe into the ruling BJP's charge that he and his family had amassed illegal wealth of Rs 1,500 crore.

Kumaraswamy, who had called off his two-day old indefinite fast which he had launched on Saturday, demanding a CBI probe, insisted that the government order an investigation by the central agency.

"The sum and substance of your letter is very alarming. In democracy and parliamentary administration, politicians should ultimately remain committed to their statements and the advertisements they publish", he said.

Kumaraswamy was referring to a letter written by Yeddyurappa, delivered to him by a three-member ministerial team at the fast venue, asking him to give up the stir.

He said making allegations for the sake of politics and later escaping from them does not bring any grace to any political party.

Agitated over the booklet released by BJP two weeks ago, alleging that former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda and his family, including him, had amassed illegal wealth to the extent of Rs 1500 crore, Kumaraswamy had announced his fast.

He withdrew the fast, saying he was doing so bowing to the wishes of his party and its workers.

"I deny all charges published in the handbook brought out by your party and still demand that there should be an investigation", Kumaraswamy said.

In a continued attack on Yeddyurappa, Kumaraswamy said "All my charges I made against you are supplemented with documentary evidence. I am not an escapist. I expect a similar commitment from your side".

However, he thanked Yeddyurappa and his minsiterial team of R Ashoka, B N Bacchegowda and V Somanna for the concern expressed over his health condition.

PTI