Daijiworld Media Network –Udupi (DV)
Udupi, Jul 30: After few netizens alleged that minister for Hindu Religious Organisations, Endowments and Backward Class Welfare Department, Kota Srinivas Poojary is constructing a new house at cost of Rs 6 crore, the minister on Friday July 30 in a letter to Lokayukta urged for detailed probe on allegations levelled against him.
In a letter written, Kota stated that he was appointed as the member of Legislative Council for three tenures, twice as minister in the state cabinet and once as the leader of opposition. “Being a representative, it is mandatory to provide details of assets to Lokayukta once in a year. But, rumours are being spread on social media about the house which has been under construction for the past two years. This has pained me. The 13-cent land in Giliyaru village of Brahmavar was purchased from my earnings. After obtaining the necessary permission from the gram panchayat, I am constructing the house. The issue of my present house in which I am residing now is before the Supreme Court. I am constructing this house for my family. This new house is constructed at a cost of Rs 60 lac. In this regard, I had availed Rs 35 lac loan from State Apex Bank two years ago. I used to repay the loan from my salary and through my honorarium. Later, I also applied for Rs 40 lac loan from Varamballi branch of SBI in Brahmavar. It is in the process of being sanctioned. As per my knowledge, I have constructed this house from mine and my son's income who is running a business after his MBA.
“But, in recent days, a few who are not happy with my public life, have said that a man of simplicity and sincerity is constructing a hut at cost of Rs 6 crore. In public life, I have given more importance to transparency and principles.
“Hence, to put an end to such allegations, I am submitting this memorandum that I have constructed this house with my salary, honorarium and other available facilities from the government and income from my son's business. Thus, considering all my income and my son's income, if the cost of my house exceeds the income level, action can be taken against me. If not, action should be taken against those who mislead and spread rumours against me in my public life on social media.
“Not even a rupee other than my income is used in the construction of this house. Hence, all details of my income have been attached in the letter,” Kota stated in his letter.