Siddaramaiah Slams Modi’s Allegations of Rs 700 Cr Diversion by Excise Dept
HUBBALI: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent claims that Karnataka’s Excise Department diverted Rs 700 crore to fund Congress campaigns in Maharashtra.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi telling lies is nothing new, but lying to this extent is a great insult to the office of the Prime Minister,” Siddaramaiah said while speaking to reporters at Hubballi airport on Sunday.
“Where is this Rs 700 crore in the Excise Department? Who would even give such funds? The Prime Minister should not lack this level of awareness,” Siddaramaiah retorted. He also dismissed the allegation as “pure fabrication.”
Asked about the report by retired Justice D'Cunha, which allegedly implicates BJP leaders BS Yediyurappa and B Sriramulu, Siddaramaiah said that any decision would be taken only after the report is reviewed by the cabinet. “Once the report is in front of the cabinet, a decision will be made,” he noted.