Kumaraswamy is a hit and run case', mocks CM

BENGALURU: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday stated that Janata Dal Secular (JDS) and former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy is known for making ‘hit and run’ accusations and “He simply does that.”

When reporters pointed out to the latest allegations by Kumaraswamy alleging irregularities in the transfer of Police Sub-Inspectors in Karnataka, Siddaramaiah told reporters in Bengaluru that he is into the habit of making hit and run accusations and stated that “He displayed a pen drive claiming vital information on (officials) transfers. Did he make its contents public?”

“Will anybody keep a pen drive in their pocket?” asked the Chief Minister. Regarding his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi a couple of days back, Siddaramaiah said “It was only a courtesy call. We exchanged pleasantries. That’s all.”

The Chief Minister said that he did not talk to Narendra Modi over giving rice to the State from Food Corporation of India (FCI) since Union Minister for Food and Consumer Affairs Piyush Goyal has already denied rice for Karnataka from FCI.

Siddaramaiah said he requested Union Minister for Defense Rajnath Singh to permit for air show during 10-day Mysore Dasara festivities starting on October 15 this year and reminded Rajnath Singh that air shows were held during Mysore Dasara festivities in 2017 and 2019 when Nirmala Sitaraman was the Defense Minister.