Siddaramaiah slammed HD Kumaraswamy for making up "conspiracy theories" (File)
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday refuted allegations of 'cash for posting' scam involving his son Yathindra Siddaramaiah. Amid the political controversy over a viral video of Yathindra Siddaramaiah, in which he asked his father to "work on a list", Chief Minister Siddaramaiah came out in defence of his son in a post on X.
Sharing the viral video on social media, JD(S) leader Kumaraswamy accused Yathindra Siddaramaiah of being involved in a 'cash for posting scam'. In the video Yathindra can be heard saying, "I have given only five... Who is Vivekananda..."
Attacking HD Kumaraswamy for making up "conspiracy theories" on the video, Mr Siddaramaiah clarified that the phone call he had his son was about corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds and not 'cash for transfer' as alleged by Mr Kumaraswamy.
He said that the BJP leader was just 'fabricating stories' in the name of Vivekananda.
"Kumaraswamy has become an expert in coming up with conspiracy theories. With just the name of 'Vivekananda', he is trying to fabricate stories. We had issued a clarification that the phone call was about the development of schools using CSR funds and had released the document also. The document which was released was signed off by Mysuru Taluk BEO Vivekananda. Conversation over the phone was about this Vivekananda who had signed off the list of schools for development" the Karnataka Chief Minister said in a post on X.
"Many people can have similar names. Former BJP MLA M P Kumaraswamy was sentenced in a cheque bounce case. Did we say it was H D Kumaraswamy? When Kumaraswamy ridiculed himself by calling 'Yellidyappa Nikhil', did everyone with the name Nikhil answered Kumaraswamy? As a responsible political leader, one should present facts and not conspiracy theories. This series of failed desperate attempts of Kumaraswamy shows he is irresponsible. Sadly, his cry for attention is continuing to expose him further. Instead of wasting time by threading fake narratives, he should talk to his alliance partners and ensure justice for Karnataka on various issues. There is still a chance for Kumaraswamy to accept his mistake and publicly apologise for his failed attempt. Instead of building up on lies, he should end it with an apology" Mr Siddaramaiah added.
The allegation first surfaced when former CM HD Kumaraswamy in a post on X shared the viral video alleging, "This video clip is a proof that the job posting for money, 'Cash for Posting', scam has been going on in Karnataka. Congress' recovery business has come to the fore. Do we need greater proof that Karnataka's collection king father and son of Karnataka's collection King have extorted money? The Chief Minister conducts a transfer business without shame."
In response, the Chief Minister said Mr Kumaraswamy was making allegation on a phone conversation between him and his son about the constituency of Varuna.
Both the BJP and the JDS have joined issue on this subject calling for an independent probe into the alleged 'Cash for Posting' scam.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)