Siddaramaiah says lying does not befit Yediyurappa’s stature

The former CM and BJP leader B.S. Yediyurappa should stop lying. It is not befitting his stature in public life and seniority, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said in Bagalkot on Monday.

“Mr. Yediyurappa has said that we have looted the State in the name of guarantees. He should explain how there can be loot in a bunch of schemes that involves Direct Cash Transfers, free bus travel and free power supply. He has also called me a politician who cannot be trusted as I have betrayed several people. He should name one that I have betrayed. He should not throw baseless allegations at me. If he is suffering from forgetfulness, he should stop lying and making false allegations,” he said.

He was responding to queries from reporters.

To a charge by Mr. Yediyurappa that Mr. Siddaramaiah is spending much time in Bagalkot as the candidate Umesh Meti belongs to his community, the Chief Minister said it is meaningless.

“I have campaigned for Umesh Meti, a Kuruba, in Bagalkot and Samarth Shamanur, a Lingayat, in Davangere. That is because they are our party nominees. Similarly, Mr. Yediyurappa has campaigned for Viranna Charantimath in Bagalkot and Srinivas Dasakariyappa in Davangere. Such allegations are meaningless,” he said.

To a query on the BJP’s complaint to the police against violation of model code of conduct and offences like trespass and intimidation, the Chief Minister said that the law will take its own course.

“If NSUI members have violated any rule regarding electioneering in Bagalkot, then, they will face legal consequences,” he said.

The local police are investigating the issue and the truth will come out soon, he said.

“At the same time, there are allegations that BJP nominee Viranna Charantimath has enrolled students of his private medical college as voters in violation of rules. Local Congress leaders have complained to the Election Commission against this. An inquiry will reveal if the allegations are valid,” he said.

He said that the former MLA late H.Y. Meti had sought a government medical college for Bagalkot since 2016-17. “We began preparations and announced the college this year. The credit for the relentless pursuit should go to H.Y. Meti,” he said.

About Home Minister G. Parameshwara’s claim that Mr. Siddaramaiah will complete his five-year term, the Chief Minister said that it is for the high command to decide.