Names Rakesh Shetty, Kripa Alva in sting row
Mysuru: Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has broken his silence on the alleged sting operation controversy, naming Rakesh Shetty and Kripa Alva of Mangaluru as those behind it, while dismissing the allegations against him as baseless.
Speaking to reporters after seeking the blessings of Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji at the Suttur Mutt at the foot of Chamundi Hill yesterday, Siddaramaiah said an investigation was underway and expressed confidence that the truth would emerge.
His remarks come amid political sparring over the issue, involving allegations by Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, clarifications from CM D.K. Shivakumar and a war of words between political leaders.
Siddaramaiah had remained silent until now. Describing his political career as “an open book,” Siddaramaiah said, he had never faced even a minor allegation during his long public life. He said he had approached the Police and lodged a complaint voluntarily as soon as he learnt about the sting operation. He had also obtained a Civil Court order to restrain what he described as unnecessary publicity over the “fabricated and false” material.
Asked whether he had faith in the ongoing investigation, Siddaramaiah said, he had complete confidence in the probe and saw no need for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) or any other high-level inquiry.
He said, no such attempt had been made against him during his two terms as CM, spanning eight years, but alleged that a conspiracy had surfaced after he was out of power. “Politically, I am clean. I have not committed even a small mistake in my life. The truth about these baseless allegations must come out. The unseen hands behind this conspiracy must be exposed and ultimately the truth will prevail,” he said.
Asked whether Congress leaders themselves could be involved in the alleged conspiracy, Siddaramaiah said, the investigation would establish who was behind it. “It has to be ascertained through the investigation who is behind this, whether they belong to our party or to some other party,” he said.
