Pics: Harshini Brahmavar
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB/DV)
Udupi, Nov 29: Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president D K Shivakumar on Sunday November 29 said that the BJP's decision of cabinet expansion was an internal matter and the Congress would not want to interfere in it.
"Neither we are connected in any way with the expansion, nor will we interfere in the matter. The BJP has the numbers," the KPCC chief said.
He was speaking to reporters after arriving here for Congress workers' convention.
When asked about the confusion prevailing in the state over the government's decision of cabinet expansion, Shivakumar said that "people will decide about it."
On the question of 'love jihad' and 'anti-cow slaughter' Bil Shivakumar said, "Anti-cow slaughter Bill is not something new, it has been in existence for a long time. Concerning 'love jihad' the national leaders should take a decision on it. They should speak out on whose Hindu kid is married to whom and who did the children of different leaders marry.
"This is India. People may belong to any party, but choice of religion is their right. In this country, love, faith, and humanity are very important," he added.
Reacting to the claim of 'video' which led to the alleged suicide attempt of chief minister's political secretary N R Santhosh, D K Shivakumar said, "I have never spoken about it anywhere. One of my friends sent it to me. Earlier political secretary resigned and later another was sacked from the post."
Further, he also maintained that Santhosh was not a commoner or a party worker. "Santhosh's name is being heard in the midst of all political developments in BJP. It does not mean that we do not know his dealings. We have seen his work during the formation of the government. I have conveyed the information I know.
"Santhosh's wife has already clarified that they did not have any family issues. She has also said that political pressure is the reason for his attempt to kill himself. Can I just close my eyes being the president of the opposition party? It is my responsibility to inform the public of the state. Home minister has said that he will conduct an investigation.
"Whether there was a CD or any record, let everything come out during the investigation. Santhosh had secured a high position at a young age. No one will try to commit suicide at his age. Maybe he faced difficulty in holding on to his position or some sort of black mark to his name.
"Let the people of Karnataka know what was the deal. Some BJP leaders are scared. I am not talking about minister K S Eshwarappa. We also know who has given what in various places. We are silent as we feel that it is an unnecessary matter for us," he said.
When asked about Kumaraswamy's statement that Shivakumar was responsible for the collapse of the coalition government, Shivakumar said, "Let Kumaraswamy speak whatever he wants. He is a senior person. He is saying this so early? If he wants to say anything more let him tell. I am happy about it."