From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Oct 4: In a scathing attack on BJP leaders for criticizing him over writing a letter for the withdrawal of certain cases, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar accused the opposition BJP of withdrawing thousands of cases related to communal clashes and releasing thousands of rowdy-sheeters during their rule.
Speaking to media persons near his residence on Wednesday, he said the BJP should remember their own actions while they were in power.
"These BJP leaders either can't see what's wrong within their own party or can't see the flaws in their own actions. They are busy criticizing and preaching to us, despite not being able to elect their own opposition leader almost five months after the assembly polls," he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister stated that BJP leaders seem to think that people have forgotten what their government did, but he believes that the people are not oblivious to their actions. He claimed that the government has records of which leaders had written letters demanding the withdrawal of communal cases and the release of the accused.
"I have records of letters written or orders passed by BJP Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, former Home Minister Araga Jnanendra, Law Minister J C Madhuswamy, and others," he said, offering to release these details.
Shivakumar accused the Bommai government of issuing orders for the withdrawal of cases against 7,361 rowdy-sheeters between January and February 2023, just a few months before the elections. He pointed out the irony of BJP leaders criticizing the current government for following legal norms and examining the withdrawal of cases against innocent individuals.
"The BJP government under Bommai took steps to withdraw cases against BJP workers, while the Congress government is acting based on the recommendations of an official committee," he said, highlighting the difference between the BJP and the Congress.
Shivakumar clarified that several cases are filed against him, some of which are still being pursued. Despite being politically motivated, the government is not rushing to withdraw these cases and will follow the prescribed procedure.
He offered to release copies of letters from different BJP leaders requesting the release of cases against rowdy-sheeters and those involved in communal clashes, saying, "Let's see the explanation and justification of these leaders."
When asked about the release of the caste census report, similar to what the Bihar government did, he mentioned the Kantharaju panel formed by the Congress government.
"We will examine the report and also the K Jayaprakash Hegde Backward Classes Commission report. Our party has taken a specific stand on the issue, and we will abide by it. However, we will first examine the reports within the State, considering the favorable and negative comments on the backward classes report," he said.
A decision will be made as soon as possible, taking into account the pros and cons, he added.