Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy has claimed that the complaint filed against him by Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Chandrashekar, in connection with an alleged illegal mining case, is politically motivated. Speaking to the media in Bengaluru, Kumaraswamy vowed to fight the allegations legally, stating that he has never threatened the officer and has only made public statements based on evidence.
The controversy arose after ADGP Chandrashekar filed a formal complaint accusing Kumaraswamy of making false allegations against him, claiming the minister had issued threats. Responding to these claims, Kumaraswamy categorically denied the accusations. “The officer has claimed that I threatened him. Where have I threatened him?” he asked during the press briefing. “I have made my statements regarding him with evidence. How can that be considered a threat? This complaint against me is politically motivated. I will not be intimidated by this, nor should he fear me.”
Kumaraswamy stands firm on statements
Kumaraswamy, who served as the Chief Minister of Karnataka and is currently a senior leader in the Janata Dal (Secular) party, acknowledged that he had previously held a press conference during which he spoke about ADGP Chandrashekar. He said that his comments were picked up by the media and widely reported, stating, “The media reported what I spoke. Everyone knows about the letter that officer sent to his colleagues after that press conference.”
Kumaraswamy referred to the officer’s internal communication, which became public after his press conference, as part of the broader context for the allegations. However, he maintained that his remarks were not threats but a simple recounting of facts. “I have spoken with evidence and made everything public. How does that amount to a threat?” he questioned, expressing confidence that the claims made against him would not hold up in court.
Mining case: A 12-year-long investigation
Kumaraswamy pointed out that the investigations into the alleged illegal mining cases involving him have been ongoing for over a decade. He reiterated his cooperation with authorities during this period. “Investigations regarding mining cases against me have been ongoing for 12 years. I have always cooperated when called. Have I ever said I wouldn’t come?” he asked, stressing that he has consistently engaged with the legal process without hesitation.
The former Chief Minister emphasized that the timing of the latest complaint raised suspicion, suggesting it was linked to political motivations rather than genuine legal concerns. “Some people in the state Congress government are politically motivated,” he alleged, implying that the complaint could be part of a broader strategy to undermine him.
Political motivations and the role of the congress government
Kumaraswamy did not hold back in criticizing the state government, claiming that the complaint against him was not merely a legal issue but one driven by political adversaries within the ruling Congress party. “The complaint filed against me is politically driven,” he stated. According to Kumaraswamy, certain individuals in the Congress-led state government are using the situation to their advantage, while offering protection to ADGP Chandrashekar.
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“The government is protecting the officer who filed the complaint,” Kumaraswamy alleged. “Let them protect him; there is a court, and I will face it there. I have faith in the judiciary,” he concluded.
Despite the seriousness of the accusations and the potential legal ramifications, Kumaraswamy appeared unfazed, reiterating his commitment to fighting the charges in court. He expressed confidence that the judiciary would see through the political motivations behind the complaint, affirming his belief that the legal system would ultimately deliver a fair verdict.
As the situation unfolds, Kumaraswamy’s statements signal his readiness to confront the legal and political challenges that lie ahead. His insistence on the politically motivated nature of the complaint has set the stage for a potentially contentious legal battle, one that will likely play out in the courts and the media in the coming weeks.
While Kumaraswamy has vowed to defend himself and face the allegations head-on, the broader implications of this case for Karnataka politics remain to be seen. The case has added a fresh dimension to the political landscape of the state, with accusations of political vendettas taking center stage in the ongoing discourse surrounding the mining investigation.
