BENGALURU
Taking a jibe at state BJP president BY Vijayendra and other BJP leaders for their recent statements about preserving the legacy of Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL), M.B. Patil, Minister for Large and Medium Industries, on Monday, questioned their silence when the company was plagued by irregularities during the BJP’s tenure in power.
In the wake of actress Tamannaah Bhatia being appointed as KSDL’s brand ambassador, BJP leaders are making loud statements. “Where were these leaders when large-scale scams occurred under the chairmanship of Madal Virupakshappa?” Patil asked. He also said that the same leaders, who now portray themselves as protectors of Karnataka’s entrepreneurial heritage, remained tight-lipped when Madal Virupakshappa was sent to jail on charges of corruption in KSDL. “Did Vijayendra have a share in those irregularities?” he added sharply.
Patil clarified that the decision to appoint Tamannaah as KSDL’s brand ambassador was made purely on business grounds. An expert committee reviewed several factors before making the decision. Some other celebrities were also considered, but they were under contract with competing brands and therefore could not be selected, he explained.
He said that since the Congress government took office, proactive measures have been taken to streamline KSDL’s operations. With the same equipment and workforce, we have enhanced the production capacity, and the company is now showing a profit. “The BJP leaders, who were indifferent when KSDL was incurring losses, are now issuing grand statements about protecting the state's interests,” Patil criticised.
“Leaders of a few organisations who had earlier questioned Tamannaah's appointment later contacted me and expressed their satisfaction with the measures being taken to expand KSDL’s reach. They admitted that they were not fully aware of the facts initially,” the Minister remarked.
