H.D. Kumaraswamy
| Photo Credit: file photo
Alleging that the State government was misusing the police force to suppress political opponents, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, asked why C.T. Ravi, BJP MLC, was taken around all night in Belagavi.
Speaking to presspersons at Haradanahalli in Holenarasipur taluk on Monday, he said Mr. Ravi was a people’s representative. If he were to be arrested, the police should have presented him before the magistrate directly.
“Where was the need to humiliate him? Who directed this?” he asked. He felt that if BJP leaders chose to take up a legal fight on the issue, police officers involved in the incident would be suspended.
Further, he commented that the Karnataka police had been a model to the country. However, recent incidents showed that it had lost its old glory.
Officers had been acting as per the directions of politicians.
“A few Ministers are giving directions to officers for their political benefit. Political opponents are being suppressed through abuse of power and violation of laws. These incidents show that the State might witness a worse situation in the coming days,” he remarked.
Regarding Hassan, he questioned the contribution of Congress leaders to the district. “What is their contribution to Hassan, except for releasing CD?”, he commented, referring to the alleged leaking of video clips of former JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna.
Mr. Kumaraswamy said if Hassan district had seen any development, it was because of former Prime Minister, H.D. Deve Gowda, and former Minister H.D. Revanna.
“When I was the Chief Minister of Karnataka, I have fulfilled my responsibilities with regard to the needs of the district. Let me know what the Congress leaders brought to the district?” he asked.
Mr. Kumaraswamy visited temples at Yaliyur in Channarayapatna taluk, Mavinakere, and Haradanahalli in Holenarasipur taluk. He was accompanied by Mr. Revanna and other party leaders.
Published – December 23, 2024 08:19 pm IST