Karnataka Energy Minister K J George denies claims of him resigning over ‘interference’ by CM Siddaramaiah’s son

The reports had claimed that George had threatened to resign due to the notice issued to Pankaj Kumar Pandey, managing director of Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited, and the transfer of some officials in Chikkamagaluru district, where he is in-charge minister. Reports also contended that A S Ponnanna, Legal Advisor to CM, had mediated the truce.

Speaking to reporters later, George asked whether he had made any allegations of interference till now. “Transfer of officials is routine. Can I keep track of every transfer?” he asked, maintaining that he did not seek the transfer of any officials.

On allegations against Yathindra, George denied reports of his interference in his department. “Why are you bringing him into disrepute?” he asked.

Ponnanna, responding to media queries, said that though notice was issued to Pandey by the chief secretary, the issue was closed soon after his response. On whether he mediated a truce, Ponnanna said that since reports of the minister’s resignation were false, “the claims of a truce are also false.”