Kumaraswamy Slams Congress for Using Money and Power to Influence Elections
HD Kumaraswamy accuses the Karnataka Congress government of using money and power to influence elections and pressuring police against BJP workers.
Former Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy has launched a scathing attack on the ruling Congress government, accusing them of utilizing immense financial resources and administrative power to manipulate electoral processes. He alleged that the government is actively working to secure victories in any election through misappropriation of power and financial arrogance.
Allegations of Police Pressure and Voter List Discrepancies
A central point of Kumaraswamy's criticism involves the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He claimed that the Congress government is pressuring the police department to register First Information Reports (FIRs) against BJP workers, specifically regarding the submission of Form-7 applications.
Kumaraswamy highlighted several irregularities he believes are present in the current voter lists, stating that the lists contain:
- Duplicate entries: Multiple entries for the same individuals.
- Deceased persons: Names of individuals who are no longer alive remaining on the rolls.
- Illegal immigrants: The inclusion of names belonging to illegal Bangladeshi immigrants.
He emphasized that while the Election Commission allows political parties to raise objections via Form-7, the current administration is using these processes as a tool for political vendetta. He noted that senior BJP leaders, including B.S. Yediyurappa and R. Ashoka, have already met with the Director General of Police to address the alleged targeting of BJP workers.
Criticism Over NICE Project and Farmer Suicides
The former Chief Minister also targeted Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, raising concerns over the NICE project. Kumaraswamy alleged that Shivakumar took an oath and joined the NICE project at midnight, a move he described as highly questionable given the ongoing discussions regarding the project's takeover.
Furthermore, Kumaraswamy expressed deep concern over the agrarian crisis in the state. He claimed that under the current Congress administration, more than 3,500 farmers in Karnataka have committed suicide over the last three years. He warned that the public would hold the government accountable for this tragic loss of life in upcoming political contests.
"We are teaching a lesson for all this," Kumaraswamy stated, warning that the BJP would take to the streets if the ruling party continues to allow the police to be used as a tool for political oppression.