Photo of Kumaraswamy accepting Frank Muller wristwatch allegedly false

Bengaluru, Feb 23: As a counter strategy the Congress has recently released a photograph of JD(S) leader and former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy accepting an expensive wristwatch, Frank Muller,as a gift.

However the strategy appears to be loosing the plinth as the person alleged to be gifted the wristwatch as shown in the released picture, claiming the photo was morphed by the Congress.

The Congress was dragged into 'wristwatch politics' after H D Kumaraswamy leveled allegations on the Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaih that he was wearing a watch of worth Rs 70 lacs which was allegedly gifted by the mining mafia.

The Congress in a press meet released list of expensive items, including luxury cars owned by the family of Kumaraswamy, besides releasing a photo of JD(S) leader allegedly accepting a watch as a gift in Dubai.

According to Congress, the Editor-in-Chief of a Mangaluru based local news website, Daijiworld Walter Nandalike had gifted a watch that costs to the tune of RS 50 lacs. The picture show Kumaraswamy sitting next to Walter and wearing the watch. The picture however did not show as Walter handing over the watch to Kumaraswamy as a mark of gift.

The OneIndia contacted Walter Nandalike to seek reaction on the fresh development. Nandalike speaking over phone from Dubai, laughed out loud saying "the picture was morphed baba". He recalled year 2011, during which Kumaraswamy paid visit to Mangaluru to attend a program.

"He visited Mangaluru to participate in a Konkani fest as a chief guest, during that time I interviewed him." Nandalike said the photo which has been played out by by the Congress is from that visit and it looks like it is morphed a little bit. He asked how can give watch of such worth?

The OneIndia tried to contact Kumaraswamy, but he was not answering the call.

OneIndia News