Karnataka CM terms transfers as routine affair, ex-CM expresses doubts

BENGALURU: Janata Dal Secular (JDS) leader and former chief minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Thursday reiterated his charge of "cash for posting" against the ruling Congress led state government in Karnataka and claimed that he has relevant documents on "cash for postings" in the State.

Kumaraswamy challenged the state government to make public documents on transfers during his regime as the Chief Minister and if the state government released the documents, then, the JDS leader offered to attain political retirement.

He told reporters in Vidhana Soudha that he never came across Siddaramaiah, who earlier served as the Leader of Opposition, releasing any documents against the ruling party that came to power in Karnataka but “I would release the documents at an appropriate time and has knowledge of the timing for the release of documents.”

"The state government is engaged in the transfer of officials round the clock, but they resorted to mudslinging against me for coming out in open against "cash for postings," said Kumaraswamy and stated that he would never ‘run away for his charge.’

On Siddaramaiah, the JDS leader said the Congress leaders are involved in ‘cash for postings.’

Responding to the charge of Kumaraswamy, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated “As the new government is in power, transfers will be made in the interest of administration. Election Code of Conduct was in force in March and April and transfers were not made. Now, general transfers are being carried out.”

Addressing Kumaraswamy, Siddaramaiah said, “there were transfers during his (Kumaraswamy) tenure as CM as well. Did they get paid (for transfers)?” and termed that Kumaraswamy is making allegations out of frustration.