Complaint with Karnataka Guv against Union Minister Pralhad Joshi for comment on Justice D'Cunha
Bengaluru, Nov 11: Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao and Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda on Monday sought an apology from Union Minister Pralhad Joshi for his alleged statement calling Justice Michael D'Cunha as "an agent".
Rao and Gowda submitted a complaint to the Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot demanding a legal action against Joshi for his alleged statement.
Union Minister's alleged statement came at a time, when the commission of enquiry led by Justice D'Cunha, probing the COVID scam charges against the erstwhile BJP government in the state, recommended in its preliminary report to prosecute former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa and former health minister B Sriramulu.
The commission is probing the alleged irregularities in purchasing of medicines and equipment during the COVID19 pandemic, when BJP was in power.
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Explaining about his demand to probe Prahalad Joshi, Minister Gundu Rao told reporters that Justice Michael D'Cunha, a retired judge of high court, acted with integrity and Joshi being in a responsible position made an irresponsible statement for which he should apologise.
"Pralhad Joshi's recent statements were full of arrogance. What does it mean to call a retired judge as a Congress agent? Let Joshi speak about us politicians or fight a legal battle but attacking a judge is not right," he said.
The Minister alleged that Joshi was trying to put pressure on D'Cunha before the commission submits its final report. Calling D'Cunha 'a Congress agent' is part of the 'pressure tactic', he said.
The Karnataka government on October 11 decided to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and a Cabinet sub-committee to take further action on the D' Cunha commission report. In the 'partial' report submitted on August 31 in 11 volumes, the Commission examined the expenditure to the tune of Rs 7,223.64 crore.
The Commission has recommended to prosecute the former CM B S Yediyurappa and former Health Minister B Sriramulu.
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Vijay secures majority support, set to stake claim to form Tamil Nadu govt
Chennai: After four days of political uncertainty and intense negotiations in Tamil Nadu, actor-politician Vijay is learnt to have secured the numbers required to form the government, sources said.
Supporters gathered outside Vijay’s residence in Chennai on Friday evening, raising slogans in support of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam soon after reports emerged that the party had managed to secure majority support.
Sources said Vijay is expected to meet Tamil Nadu Governor R. V. Arlekar on Friday evening to stake claim to form the government. The meeting is likely to take place around 6 pm.
In its electoral debut in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, TVK won 108 out of the 234 seats, dealing a major blow to the 62-year political dominance of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
However, Governor Arlekar had reportedly made it clear that the party would not be invited to form the government without proving a clear majority. Even after two rounds of discussions on Wednesday and Thursday, the Governor is learnt to have maintained his stand that letters of support from at least 118 MLAs must be submitted in the 234-member Assembly.
Apart from Vijay, TVK had the backing of 107 MLAs. Vijay had contested from Tiruchy (East) and Perambur constituencies and won both seats, meaning he would have to resign from one seat before taking oath. This increased the need for additional support.
Amid the political developments, five MLAs from the Congress party, which reportedly moved away from the DMK-led alliance, extended support to Vijay. Vijay also held discussions with leaders of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Communist Party of India.
The VCK, CPI(M) and CPI had so far been allies of the DMK. At the same time, political discussions intensified in the state over speculation that the DMK could even explore a post-poll understanding with its long-time rival AIADMK to prevent an alternative government from taking shape.
Reports had been circulating since Friday afternoon that the VCK and Left parties were likely to support Vijay. Sources later said that the VCK, CPI(M) and CPI agreed to extend the support of two MLAs each, helping TVK cross the required majority mark.
All eyes are now on the Governor’s next move and the official announcement regarding the formation of the new government in Tamil Nadu.
