"Even a Shred of Evidence" and He's Summoned: Priyank Kharge Warns HD Kumaraswamy
Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge warns Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy that he will be summoned if any evidence emerges in the sting operation case.
The political atmosphere in Karnataka has reached a boiling point as Home Minister Priyank Kharge issued a stern warning to Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy. In a sharp response to the ongoing controversy surrounding an alleged sting operation, Kharge asserted that while the state government has no interest in targeting the Union Minister, it will not hesitate to summon him if any evidence surfaces.
The Standoff Over the Sting Operation
The clash erupted after HD Kumaraswamy questioned the state government regarding the delay in forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged sting operation. Kumaraswamy had accused the Karnataka Cabinet Minister of being "afraid" of the probe and alleged that the state administration was deliberately avoiding an investigation, despite directives from the High Court.
Responding to these allegations, Priyank Kharge maintained that the government is operating strictly within the legal framework. He emphasized that his position as Home Minister does not grant him "extraconstitutional power" and that all actions are being guided by the law.
"If there is no evidence against him, why would we want to call him? But even if there is a shred of evidence against him, we will summon him. We will not hesitate," Kharge told reporters.
A History of "Touch Me" Challenges
Kharge took a sarcastic tone when recalling Kumaraswamy's past interactions with law enforcement. He reminded the press that Kumaraswamy had previously visited the Commissioner's Office and the Director General's (DG) office during a Padyatra, essentially daring authorities to take action against him.
The Home Minister further bolstered his confidence by citing the Central Government's own recognition of the Karnataka Police's efficiency. He mentioned that the state police recently received an award from the Centre for their work on the Prajwal Revanna case, noting that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had commended the department's performance. "He just has to be a little patient; we will show what the Karnataka police is capable of," Kharge added.
Allegations of ED Influence and the KPSC Scam
The confrontation extended beyond the sting operation row. Priyank Kharge leveled a serious accusation against a Union Minister, claiming there is a desperate attempt to persuade the Modi government to implicate Congress leaders, including himself, in the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) scam via the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Kharge questioned whether HD Kumaraswamy is the only Union Minister in the cabinet aware of the KPSC scam, suggesting that such desperation indicates a sense of guilt. He argued that the questions regarding the scam should be directed at the Union Minister rather than the state government.