D.K. Shivakumar dismisses demand for Priyank Kharge’s resignation

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar during his visit to Rajarajeshwari Nagar in Bengaluru on Monday.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Dismissing the demand for resignation of RDPR Minister Priyank Kharge in connection with the death of a contractor, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Monday said there was no connection between the Minister and the contractor who ended his life.

“Mr. Kharge has no role in this case. The death note does not name him directly. He (Mr. Kharge) cannot resign if allegations are merely made. There will be a legal investigation in the case,” he told presspersons on Monday. “For what mistake should he resign? Mr. Kharge is the voice of our party. The Opposition is jealous of him,” he added.

On a photograph of the accused Raju with the Chief Minister, Mr. Kharge and him, Mr. Shivakumar said there are photographs of B.S. Yediyurappa and B.Y. Vijayendra. “Mr. Yediyurappa and Mr. Vijayendra have also been photographed with rowdy-sheeters. Should I release those pictures?”

Responding to the BJP’s demand for a CBI inquiry and threat to lay siege, Mr. Shivakumar said: “Let them lay siege. My brother D.K. Suresh has spoken about the cases in Rajarajeshwari Nagar. We can club all and institute a CBI inquiry. The BJP government referred only my case to the CBI. It should have referred cases pertaining to its Ministers too. During the Congress government, 12 cases, including deaths of D.K. Ravi, Sowjanya, and Paresh Mestha were referred to the CBI.”