No evidence against Minister Priyank Kharge in contractor suicide case, says CM Siddaramaiah
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said there was no evidence against Priyank Kharge in the civil contractor suicide case.
He said the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has been assigned to probe the suicide case, and its report is awaited.
Speaking to reporters here Siddaramaiah said, "His (Priyank Kharge’s) name is not there. He has no role in it. There is no evidence against him. Still he is being asked to resign. Why should he resign?"
The BJP has mounted pressure on the Congress government in Karnataka and is demanding Priyank Kharge’s resignation in connection with the suicide of a civil contractor Sachin Panchal in Bidar district.
In his suicide note, Panchal alleged that Raju Kapanur pestered him for rupees one crore, a charge which the latter has denied. The BJP alleged that Kapanur is Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Kharge's close aide.
When pointed out that K S Eshwarappa resigned as minister in the BJP government after a contractor said the minister was demanding 40 per cent commission, Siddaramaiah said the suicide note then had Eshwarappa’s name.
“Is Priyank Kharge’s name mentioned in the suicide note? His name is not mentioned anywhere. The Minister has said that he is ready for any inquiry,” the Chief Minister said.
He added that based on a complaint, the matter has been handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), whose report is awaited.
“Once the report is submitted we will see if it says Priyank Kharge has done anything wrong. As of now, there is no evidence, there is no document and there is no mention of his name anywhere,” Siddaramaiah said.
Commenting on BJP's demand for a CBI probe, the CM sought to know whether the saffron party has no trust in the state police.
The Chief Minister said when the BJP was in power, they did not hand over a single case to the CBI. What moral rights the BJP has to ask for it now? he asked.
On MLC C T Ravi episode who is accused of using derogatory words against the Karnataka Woman and Child Development Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar in the Legislative Council on December 19, Siddaramaiah said that the case has also been handed over to the CID.
“There are charges that he has spoken something disparaging and demeaning. Based on the allegation, the CID has registered an FIR against C T Ravi. The forensic report has to come to ascertain whether he had uttered it or not,” he added.
On cabinet reshuffle in the New Year, he said the party high command will decide.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
