Bengaluru: A viral video featuring Karnataka CM’s son Dr Yathindra Siddaramaiah is gaining widespread attention in which he is purportedly talking about a certain list which Opposition leaders, including HD Kumaraswamy are linking it to an alleged ‘cash for transfers’ scam.
The video depicts Congress leader Dr Yathindra speaking on phone, addressing the recipient as “Appa” (father) while talking about a specific list.
Dr Yathindra is seen expressing dissatisfaction with a different list, and purportedly asks Siddaramaiah to hand over the phone to a person named Mahadev who had provided the list.
The identity of Mahadev and his role in public matters have raised serious questions against the Siddaramaiah government.
Mahadev has been in the thick of controversies on a couple of occasions in the past. He allegedly had drafted an additional list of 40 transfers without Labour Minister Santosh Lad’s knowledge, but with the consent of CM Siddaramaiah.
Taking note of Mahadev’s indulgence in public matters, Lad urged Siddaramaiah to sack him from his purported position as Officer on Special Duty to the CM.
The recent video featuring Dr Yathindra has sparked concerns about similar interference of Mahadev in government affairs.
Former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy said that the video clip is clinching evidence, exposing the government involved in “cash for transfers” scam.
“The CMO has been turned into a centre of “cash for transfers” unit by the father king and Karnataka’s collection prince, his son. The video is a testimony that the CM and his son are doing transfer business shamelessly and unhesitatingly, bringing insult to the state,” he said.
“One can imagine what proportion of corruption is going on within the four walls if it is being practised at a public place,’ he alleged.
Kumaraswamy also sought an answer whether Dr Yathidra is indulging in government matters as a Super CM. “Is this person, who dares the CM over phone and tells him that only his list should be cleared, a CM’s son or Karnataka’s Super CM of Karnataka? Or is he the minister for cash for posting? Or is he minister of extortion?” he asked.
“Explain to us Mr. Siddaramaiah, for how much percent you and your son have sold the posts? What is your cut? What is the share of your team at the office?” he further questioned.
“You (CM Siddaramaiah) are claiming that whatever I say is a lie. The truth has revealed itself before the people. They will decide whether the content in the video is a fake or genuine and will be decided by the people of the state. I will face the consequences if it is fake. You, being a great leader of the Ahinda movement, should give answer to the video of your extortion ..,” Kumaraswamy said.
