In a bold move, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced the Congress party’s plan to organize a ‘Raj Bhavan Chalo’ march in response to the recent padayatra by the BJP, calling for the Chief Minister’s resignation over a land allotment issue. This march aims to demand the prosecution of Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy in a mining lease case.
During a press conference at the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee office, Shivakumar stated, “We have pending appeals seeking permission to prosecute several leaders, including Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, former minister Murugesh Nirani, Janardhan Reddy, and Shashikala Jolle. The ‘Raj Bhavan Chalo’ march is our way of seeking sanction against these leaders.”
Adding to the tension, the Congress is set to hold protests in Karnataka on August 19 against an alleged conspiracy to undermine former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
The Congress’s counter-event is designed to exert pressure on Governor Thawarchand Gehlot, who has been at the center of controversy following his approval to prosecute the current Chief Minister.
Shivakumar lamented the delay in obtaining sanction to prosecute HD Kumaraswamy, noting, “Despite a comprehensive investigation by the Lokayukta over 10 years, the Governor has failed to grant permission. The ‘Raj Bhavan Chalo’ march will commence from the Gandhi statue near Vidhana Soudha, with the participation of key political figures, to culminate at Raj Bhavan with the submission of our appeal.”
On Kumaraswamy’s defense of a fake signature on the mining license approval, Shivakumar challenged, “If the signature is indeed forged, why has he not lodged a complaint in 10 years? His own application for bail in the case acknowledges his involvement. It’s time for him to be accountable to the Constitution he swore by.”
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