From our special correspondent
Daijiworld media network
Bengaluru, Nov 14: The slugfest over the alleged power theft at JDS leader H D Kumaraswamy’s residence in JP Nagar in Bengaluru for Deepavali decorations has turned out to be a big political issue with no less than his political rival and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar complimenting the former chief minister for admitting the power theft and offering to pay fine.
Speaking to media persons in Bengaluru, Shivakumar mentioned that he came to know about social media posts on alleged illegal power connection to Kumaraswamy’s residence as well as in the social media handle of Congress party.
“Whether the illegal power connection from the BESCOM poles near Kumaraswamy’s residence is intentional or done by mistake, I am happy that he has admitted the lapse and has offered to pay fine to BESCOM,’’ he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister said the Congress party’s social media unit has noticed what is happening and has done its work. “Can our party’s social media cell keep quiet when Kumaraswamy is accused of taking illegal power connection for whatever reason,’’ he asked and justified what the Congress social media has done.
Shivakumar noted Kumaraswamy’s explanation that the Deepavali decoration work in his JP Nagar residence was entrusted to a private contractor, who had taken the power connection from BESCOM poles on the roads near his residence and that he had left for his Bidadi farmhouse after the work was entrusted and Kumaraswamy’s statement that he noticed the mistake and immediately got the illegal connection removed and ensured tht power was used from the residential meter. The JDS leader had offered to pay fine to the BESCOM and asked the officials to visit his house anytime.
The Deputy Chief Minister pointed out that political leaders in responsible positions should not indulge in power theft. ``The authorities concerned will take necessary action,’’ he said the matter is left to BESCOM officials and the government has no time for such things nor any intention of interfering.
“Kumaraswamy projects himself as the only honest politician. At least, he has now admitted the truth. Satyameva Jayate (Truth alone Triumphs),’’ he said in a sarcastic remark.
Shivakumar attacked Kumraswamy for his alliance with BJP and said he has forced JDS supremo and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda to forsake his secular values at the fag-end of his life. “All the values Deve Gowda has profounded in his life, have been destroyed by Kumaraswamy,’’ he chided.
“I am speechless and feel sorry. Wish all the best to Kumaraswamy for joining NDA. I feel very sorry (for Deve Gowda),’’ he remarked.
Shivakumar accused Kumaraswamy of being ‘jealous’ of the success of the Congress government’s guarantees and accused him of levelling baseless allegations due to his jealousy.
He pointed out that the women in the State have benefited to the tune of Rs 100 crore under Shakti Scheme and mentioned that every month Rs 1 crore is credited into the bank accounts of women under Gruhalakshmi.
The Deputy Chief Minister said he gladly accepts Kumaraswamy’s challenge for a debate and asked the latter to bring all the records and speak what he has to say in the ensuing Belagavi legislature session commencing from December 5. “I am ready to give him a reply for all the charges,’’ he said.