“ECIR filed against CM Siddaramaiah is politically motivated,” says HK Patil
Bengaluru: Karnataka's Law Minister HK Patil has accused the Enforcement Directorate (ED) of filing an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land allotment case out of political malice.
Speaking to reporters at his residence on Tuesday, Patil questioned the basis for the allegations, stating, "Where is the money laundering in the MUDA case?" He criticized the union government for allegedly misusing the law for political gain, asserting that such actions are beneath the dignity of the government.
Patil mentioned that they have ample opportunities to contest the case in court and expressed his intent to meet with the Chief Minister to discuss the matter further. He also addressed the recent letter from Siddaramaiah's wife, Parvathi, regarding the return of the plots allocated to her.
He remarked on the emotional distress she has endured, emphasizing that no one should be subjected to slander and political malice. Patil commended Parvathi's decision to return the plots as a commendable action in light of her situation.
In response to speculation about Siddaramaiah's potential resignation, Patil firmly stated, "There is no question of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah resigning." He affirmed that the party high command, the people of Karnataka, and all legislators and ministers support him. Patil asserted that the public is aware of attempts to destabilize the elected government.
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UDF will have huge win in Kerala, NDA won't open its account: Cong leader Satheesan
Kochi (PTI): Senior Congress leader V D Satheesan on Friday expressed confidence in a huge win by the UDF, claiming it will make a clean sweep in five districts, and brushed aside speculations that the NDA will open its account in Kerala.
Satheesan, speaking to reporters here a day after the conclusion of the Assembly polls, praised the performance of the UDF leaders and workers during the election, saying it was the best ever he has seen in the last 30 years.
He said that his claims of the UDF getting over 100 seats is not a mere statement, but based on the work the front has done during the last five years to bring back all those who had left it in 2005 and as a result, there was a huge wave in its favour in the state.
The leader of opposition in the state assembly, who contested from the Paravoor constituency, further said that the Congress-led front also had a major social backing from minorities and marginalised groups in the society.
Besides that, there was an anti-incumbency feeling among the people who were disappointed with the LDF rule, he claimed and said that the UDF provided them with a hope and an alternative which no other opposition had done in the past.
"All these factors will contribute to a huge win for the UDF and it would not be surprising if we make a clean sweep in Malappuram, Wayanad, Ernakulam, Idukki and Pathanamthitta districts. That is a total of 43 seats," he said.
According to him, the polling percentage increased because the UDF got people added to the electoral list.
He also brushed aside the LDF remarks about a woman or youth CM, saying that "they can make such statements now as they know they cannot win".
"Otherwise, why did they campaign with Pinarayi Vijayan as the main factor. Why did they say a third Pinarayi rule will come?" he asked.
He also claimed that the LDF's decision to spend government money on its political campaign, by putting up hoardings and carrying out social media programmes to sway voters, has also backfired as people realised that their taxes were being wasted like that.
Asked whether the NDA will open its account, especially in areas where the UDF claimed the BJP-led front had made a deal with the LDF, Satheesan replied in the negative.
He said that as of now he does not see any chance of the NDA opening its account in the state.
