As Congress rakes up prosecution sanction delay in mining case, Kumaraswamy alleges bid to silence him
The sanction to prosecute Kumaraswamy, now Union minister for heavy industries and steel, was sought last year in connection with an illegal mining case.
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When Kumaraswamy became chief minister in 2006, allegations surfaced that he had collected Rs 150 crore from mining companies. (File Photo)After the Karnataka Congress highlighted the delay by Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot in granting sanction to prosecute Union minister H D Kumaraswamy in a mining scam case, the JD(S) leader has accused the Government of threatening him by digging up old cases.
“Is this to threaten me or shut my mouth? If I have committed a mistake, take action against me,” the Union minister for heavy industries and steel told reporters on Sunday.
The issue came into prominence after the Governor accorded sanction to prosecute Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday in connection with the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam.
The sanction to prosecute Kumaraswamy was sought on November 21, 2023, by a Special Investigation Team of the Lokayukta in connection with an illegal mining case.
When Kumaraswamy became chief minister in 2006, allegations surfaced that he had collected Rs 150 crore from mining companies. He then said he had transferred two officials from Bellary in the wake of the allegations. Even though BJP leaders such as the current leader of the Opposition, R Ashoka; MP Jagadish Shettar; and former minister Arvind Limbavali had approached him to prevent the transfers, the JD(S) leader did not heed their requests, he said.
Of the cases filed against Kumaraswamy during his tenure as chief minister, from 2006 to 2008, two pertain to alleged illegal mining related to Shree Sai Venkateshwara Minerals and Janthakal Mining Company. He was granted anticipatory bail in both cases.
While the case related to Janthakal Mining Company was quashed by the Karnataka High Court, the Supreme Court had directed agencies to conduct a thorough investigation against S M Krishna, Dharam Singh and Kumaraswamy—all former chief ministers. On March 29, 2017, the apex court asked the SIT to finish the investigation within three months, the Union minister said.
“Who stopped you from approaching the Supreme Court? Why are you (Congress government) staging a drama seeking prosecution sanction?” Kumaraswamy said, pointing to the gap between 2017 and 2024.
The letter from the Lokayukta gained traction after the Governor issued a showcause notice and subsequently granted prosecution sanction against Siddaramaiah.
The Congress has accused the Governor of sitting on such requests for action against Kumaraswamy and the BJP’s three former ministers—Shashikala Jolle, Murugesh Nirani and Janardhan Reddy—while hastily acting in Siddaramaiah’s case.
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