Bengaluru: JD(S) Karnataka unit President HD Kumaraswamy has demanded resignation of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar alleging that, “he ( Shivakumar) is directly involved in the pen drive conspiracy that tarnishes the family of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, he (Shivakumar) should resign immediately.”
Addressing reporters in the city on Tuesday, Kumaraswamy stated that the role of DK Shivakumar was clear in the audio conversation. “He should resign. Otherwise, the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah himself should dismiss him from the cabinet.”
He further claimed that Karthik, the creator of the pen drive, first brought the sleaze videos to Shivakumar, and Hassan's candidate of Congress party was present during this exchange. Kumaraswamy argued that it is inappropriate for Shivakumar to remain in the cabinet given his alleged involvement in the case.
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He accused Shivakumar of misusing his power and criticized the government for protecting him, warning that such actions would have severe consequences.
Kumaraswamy also alleged that there was a big political conspiracy plotted by Shivakumar for personal gain and electoral success. He criticized the government for allegedly shielding a ‘disgraced minister’ and suggested that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah should address the issue, questioning their silence on the matter.
Kumaraswamy expressed concerns about the safety of lawyer Deveraj Gowda in jail, suggesting that there could be potential threats due to the involvement of individuals associated with the current government. He also questioned why Karthik Gowda, Naveen Gowda, and others involved in sharing the pen drive have not been arrested.
Meanwhile, retorting back at HDK’s allegations, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar dismissed Kumaraswamy's allegations, stating that it was out of jealousy.
Speaking at a blood donation camp organized by the Youth Congress in honor of the Rajiv Gandhi memorial at Congress Bhavan, Shivakumar said, "There is no medicine for jealousy. He (Kumraswamy) wants me to resign. There is nothing wrong with having a wish."
Shivakumar further pointed out that, “Kumaraswamy was thinking as if he is a King maker, However, JD(S) secured only 18 seats under his presidency. Meanwhile, Congress secured 136 seats during my tenure.” He dismissed the JD(S)'s alliance with the BJP and suggested that Kumaraswamy could continue making accusations without impacting his position.
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New Delhi (PTI): Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday announced a slew of measures including two days of 'work from home' (WFH) for government offices, use of Metro trains on Mondays by ministers and officers, and a voluntary 'no-vehicle day' every week.
Gupta said in a press conference attended by her Cabinet colleagues that the government has drawn an extensive plan under "Mera Bharat, Mera Yogdan" to implement the appeal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for saving fuel and wise expenditure.
She said all Delhi government offices will follow WFH two days a week. The private sector will also be requested to follow it, she said.
Gupta said all ministers, officers and she herself will use Metro for commuting on Mondays while people will be requested to observe 'no-vehicle day' every week.
The government has also decided to cancel all official foreign visits by ministers for one year while no big events will be hosted by it for the next three months, she said.
The chief minister said petrol and diesel quotas of the Delhi government officers have also been slashed by 20 per cent.
Earlier, Gupta headed a meeting with all her Cabinet ministers and senior officers of the government to discuss ways to save fuel and other resources amid global uncertainty over crude oil and gas supplies.
The chief minister has also cut down on her carcade by 60 per cent, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to people to spend wisely and save fuel in view of the war in West Asia.
The chief minister's convoy now has only four vehicles, including two EVs.
