Intro: Hariprasad claimed that corruption allegations against the BJP extend far beyond their frequently cited 40 percent commission claims.
Bidar
KPCC leader B.K. Hariprasad has launched a sharp attack on the BJP, questioning the party’s criticism of alleged corruption and claiming that IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar was appointed to the Karnataka Public Service Commission during the BJP’s tenure.
Hariprasad questioned BJP leaders on their moral authority to lecture the Congress on corruption. He also criticised BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra, making allegations concerning corruption cases involving BJP leaders and referring to the resignation of former minister K.S. Eshwarappa.
Commenting on the resignation of former minister B. Nagendra, Hariprasad questioned whether BJP leaders had become judges. He argued that if Nagendra had committed wrongdoing, his name should have appeared in the chargesheet. He alleged that political conspiracies were used to force the resignation and claimed that the BJP was attempting to target a Dalit leader.
Hariprasad also dismissed the BJP’s references to political leaders facing investigations and criminal cases. He said the Congress would fight any prosecution within the framework of law and would face such matters in court.
He criticised the BJP for inducting leaders facing serious allegations and referred to former minister Janardhana Reddy’s return to the party. He also mentioned cases involving other political leaders while accusing the BJP of using the party as a “washing machine” to clean the image of leaders facing allegations.
On the possibility of a Karnataka Cabinet expansion, Hariprasad said the decision rested with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. He added that a woman should be given an opportunity in the ministry and said there would be a woman minister, while rejecting community-based considerations in making the appointment.
Hariprasad’s remarks come amid an intensifying political exchange between the ruling Congress and BJP over corruption allegations, investigations and the conduct of political leaders.
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That corruption allegations against the BJP went beyond the often-mentioned 40 per cent commission claims. Congress leaders did not need to learn lessons on ethics from the BJP and challenged the opposition to examine the cases involving its own leaders.
- B.K. Hariprasad, KPCC leader
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Hariprasad slams BJP washing machine
KPCC leader B.K. Hariprasad criticized the BJP for inducting tainted politicians like Janardhana Reddy, branding the party a “washing machine” for corruption. Addressing Karnataka cabinet expansion, he emphasized female representation.