Ex-CM Kumaraswamy lit up his house using stolen electricity during Deepavali, alleges Congress
Bengaluru(PTI): The Congress in Karnataka on Tuesday accused former chief minister and JD(S) state chief H D Kumarawamy of drawing power illegally to illuminate his JP Nagar residence here with decorative lights during Deepavali.
The ruling party posted a video along with a statement on social media platform X, criticising the JD(S) leader and son of former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda.
Kumaraswamy said it was not his fault but of a private decorator who gave the connection directly from a nearby electricity pole. When he got to know, he immediately got it removed and took the electricity connection from the meter board of the house, he said.
"The lone honest person in the world H D Kumaraswamy's JP Nagar residence was illumined with decorative lights with illegal power connection directly from the electric pole. It is a tragedy that such a poverty has struck a former CM to steal electricity!" the Congress said, taking a dig at him.
Further taking a swipe at Kumaraswamy, the party said the Congress government's 'Gruha Jyoti' scheme offers 200 units of free electricity a month for residential connections and not 2,000 units.
Kumaraswamy said: "I am sorry for this indiscretion. Let BESCOM (Bangalore Electricity Supply Company) officials come and inspect and issue a notice. I will pay the fine," Kumaraswamy responded on X.
He hit out at the Congress for making a big deal out of a "petty issue".
"I have neither embezzled any state property, nor grabbed anyone's land. I don't have such thirst for wealth that it can be quenched by someone's blood," Kumaraswamy said.
Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said BESCOM will take action. He said he did not know whether any case would be registered against Kumaraswamy
The Congress taunted earlier: "If you were so poverty stricken, then you should have applied for the Gruha Jyoti scheme. Oh, you didn't know that only one electricity meter is allowed under the Gruha Jyoti scheme whereas there are many meters in your name!" Congress said.
"Despite power shortage in the state, measures were taken by us to provide seven hours electricity to the farmers; you are facing such a "drought" that you resort to such a cheap theft? Didn't you hold a press conference and say "Karnataka is in the dark" and now you have lit up your house with stolen electricity?" it added.
The party questioned why he was saying that Karnataka was in the dark when his house was shining with decorative lights!
"To ask a question your own style Do you need to light up your home when the state is facing drought? Do you want to have fun stealing electricity meant for the farmers? Do you want the Diwali' (referring to bankruptcy in Kannada) of people for Deepavali festival' in your house?" the Congress asked.
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Cristiano Ronaldo says he is playing his 'last European Championship'
Hamburg: Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed this year's European Championship will be the last of his career. The Portugal superstar, who is 39, is playing at the Euros for a record sixth time and has helped his country reach the quarterfinals - where Kylian Mbappe and France await in Hamburg on Friday.
Speaking to Portuguese public broadcaster RTP after the penalty-shootout victory over Slovenia on Monday, Ronaldo said: "It is, without doubt, my last European Championship.
"But I'm not emotional about that. I'm moved by all that football means - by the enthusiasm I have for the game, the enthusiasm for seeing my supporters, my family, the affection people have for me."
Ronaldo, who is one of the most prolific scorers in soccer history and has a record 14 goals at European Championships, said his main motivation now was "making people happy."
He was reduced to tears during the Slovenia game after having a penalty saved in extra time.
"It's not about leaving the world of football," he said. "What else is there for me to do or win? It's not going to come down to one point more or one point less."
