Mysore: Election Commission of India (ECI) should take cognisance of the JD(S) president, H D Kumaraswamy CD issue and book a case against him, urged former MP A H Vishwanath, here on Tuesday. He also questioned the silence of former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, while controversy raged over the issue in the State.

Addressing a press meet, he said that the conversation between ‘High Deal’ Kumaraswamy and MLC aspirant Vijugouda Patil was a serious issue. “The Election Commission should book a case against both Kumaraswamy and JD(S). After a thorough probe, which would bring out the details of the case, ECI should derecognise the political party,” he said.

He questioned whether Kumaraswmay was a ‘mediator’, facilitating transactions between Rajya Sabha MP and MLC aspirants. “Or is Kumaraswamy trying to make money by using the name of MLA’s of the party?” he said. It was disappointing to learn that the president of a recognised regional part had stooped to a new low of being a broker, he said.

One should also ponder whether Kumaraswamy had made these statements out of frustration or as a method to control his party MLAs, who were dissatisfied with him, he said. By indulging in such practices, both JD(S) president and 44 MLAs of the party had violated the oath taken by them, while swearing in to the Assembly, he said.

Noting the ‘anti-Vokkaliga’ remarks levelled against him, he said that the criticism was not against the community to which Kumaraswamy belonged, but against the actions of the JD(S) leader.

Explanation

He demanded an explanation from MLCs and MPs nominated from the party, on whether they had paid money to JD(S) legislators to get nominated to the Council.

“Why has Deve Gowda been silent about the issue? Does his silence mean that he has admitted to the guilt of his son?” he said.

He alleged that it was money which had resulted in senior Parliamentarian M C Nanaiah being sidelined by JD(S) top brass, in favour of a gold trader, Sharavanan.

“I had raised the issue a year ago and had said that Kumaraswamy was demanding money from JD(S) members, to which he had dubbed me as a‘lunatic’. With the recent issue, reality is out in the open,” he said.
 Lokayukta complaint

Speaking at a press meet, convenor of ACICM, M Lakshman, said that he would lodge a complaint with Lokayukta police to probe the Kumaraswamy CD issue.

“Since, MLAs are public servants, a probe by the Lokayukta would be necessary. If found guilty, JD(S) president H D Kumaraswamy and 44 MLAs of the party will have to serve sentences as per the Karnataka Prevention of Corruption Act,” he said.