"No medicine for jealousy and resentment:" Priyank Kharge slams HD Kumaraswamy
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge hits back at HD Kumaraswamy's allegations regarding the NICE project and DK Shivakumar's assets.
In a scathing verbal attack, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge has lashed out at Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy over his recent allegations regarding the Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE) project. Kharge suggested that the former Chief Minister's criticisms are driven by personal animosity, stating bluntly that "there is no medicine for jealousy and resentment."
The NICE Project Controversy
The political firestorm erupted after HD Kumaraswamy alleged that Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar saw a massive surge in his wealth—from Rs 4 crore to Rs 1,444 crore—linked to alleged irregularities during the implementation of the Bangalore-Mysore Infrastructure Corridor Project (BMICP), popularly known as the NICE Road.
Responding to these claims, Priyank Kharge questioned why Kumaraswamy remained silent on these matters during his two decades in power and two terms as Chief Minister. Kharge challenged the Union Minister to take his grievances to the highest levels of the central government if he truly believes the project is illegal.
"If NICE is illegal, take it to Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Home Minister Amit Shah. You are a Union Minister yourself. Who has stopped you?"
Kharge remarked, questioning why Kumaraswamy is choosing to target individuals rather than addressing the legalities through official channels.
A Challenge to Discuss Assets
Kharge further accused the BJP and JD(S) of making a habit of attacking the personal lives and assets of political figures. In a bold move, he proposed a special legislative session to scrutinize the wealth of all political leaders, including himself and the opposition.
- The Proposal: A dedicated session to discuss how every leader, their relatives, and their associates acquired their properties.
- The Target: Kharge suggested that if the central government is intent on investigating, they should look at everyone's assets and how they were obtained.
- The Counter-Attack: He pointed out that the central agencies, such as the IT and ED, have already targeted the Chief Minister, questioning why no further action is being taken if the allegations hold weight.
DK Shivakumar Defends His Wealth
The Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar, did not mince words while defending his financial standing. He dismissed the allegations as baseless, asserting that his wealth was built strictly within the legal framework of the country.
Shivakumar questioned the premise of the attack, noting his background as the son of a farmer and an entrepreneur. He stated that his family has the capacity and the legal right to acquire property through legitimate means.
"Is Kumaraswamy some income tax officer? Let him provide information to the income tax department," Shivakumar retorted. He also turned the spotlight back on the opposition, questioning the origins of various properties and schemes, such as the Bidadari Township, implying that the scrutiny should be mutual.