Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Nov 16: Karnataka chief minister, dismissed former minister, Janardhan Reddy's claim that he was arrested under the influence of Karnataka chief minister, H D Kumaraswamy, on the allegation of his involvement with Ambidant scam. Reddy had stated that the CM was taking revenge for a 12-year-old political rivalry between the two. Kumaraswamy has hit back by saying that he does not believe in politics of vengeance and he does not find any need for it.

Speaking at Bidar on Thursday November 15, the CM said he never indulged in vengeance even when he was the chief minister in the past, and that he does not find the need to react to Reddy's claim. He said that there is no question of protecting people who have deceived the people and pointed out that an accused in the fraud case has filed affidavit in the court agreeing to repay Rs 18 crore. "Does this not tantamount to admission of wrongdoing?," he wondered.

Janardhan Reddy

BJP stat president, B S Yeddyurappa, has observed that law and order situation in the state has turned bad, as evidenced by the arrest of Janardhan Reddy. He said that the ruling coalition was putting into use Anti Corruption Bureau and other police systems to settle political scores.

Urban development minister, U T Khader, said that the people of Ballari have given their verdict in the recent bypoll as to who is right and who is not. He said there is no need to give any additional explanation on this aspect.

MLC, T A Sharavana, condemned the statement made by Janardhan Reddy against the CM. Minister, D K Shivakumar when approached for his reaction to the allegation made by Reddy, said that Reddy being a big shot, he does not feel like giving any reaction. He said he does not also want to react to what Reddy said.

MLA, Sriramulu, met Janardhan Reddy, who has been recuperating after release from the prison on bail, on Thursday and huddled with him for some time.