From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

KR Pet (Mandya), Dec 4: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday accused the Enforcement Directorate (ED) was deliberately writing to Lokayukta on its probe in the MUDA site allotment scam and releasing the contents to the media, on the eve of the matter coming up before the court, in a bid to influence the decision.

Speaking to media persons at the KR Pet Helipad in Mandya district, Siddaramaiah accused the ED of deliberately leaking the contents of its letter to Lokayukta to the media on the eve of the hearing in the court.

“In the first place, ED has no right to investigate in the matter when the State Government has already ordered a probe,” he said and pointed out that ED could have written to the Lokayukta after completing its investigation.

However, the timing of the letter to Lokayukta and releasing the contents to the media is deliberate and politically motivated,” he said explaining that such actions result in distrust of Central investigation agencies.

The Chief Minister mentioned that the Court has directed the Lokayukta to complete its investigation and submit its report by December 24.

“Even if ED investigation is accepted, it should have submitted its report to the Lokayukta. But releasing the contents to the media on the eve of the hearing, is politically motivated. It is nothing but an attempt to influence the court and create a prejudicial atmosphere,” he said.

Answering questions on the reports of Cabinet expansion, Siddaramaiah quipped: “Have I made any statement regarding the cabinet expansion. You people (media) have concocted stories. What is the point in asking me after the publication of news reports?” he asked.

Siddaramaiah made it clear the party high command has not directed him to undertake the cabinet expansion.

Ministers N Cheluvarayaswamy and K N Rajanna as well as Congress legislators were present at the helipad to receive the Chief Minister.