Kharge, Rahul were right about vote theft allegations: Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar

Bengaluru: Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday said that the points raised by AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi regarding alleged “vote theft” have proved to be true.

Speaking to the media near Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence in Sadashivanagar, Shivakumar said he had visited Kharge’s residence to discuss the issue ahead of a Congress Working Committee meeting. “The high command leaders have called a Congress Working Committee meeting to discuss the issue of vote theft. I have come to Kharge Sahab’s residence to discuss the matter. Differences of opinion and irregularities within the Election Commission have come to light. The entire country has become alert about this issue, and we have discussed the roadmap for the party’s next course of action. After the Working Committee meeting, a meeting of all opposition parties has also been called,” he said.

Responding to the BJP’s criticism that the Congress was fighting the issue out of frustration over electoral defeat, Shivakumar said, “The Election Commission has said what we had said. In a democratic system, decisions should be based on majority. But a decision has been taken despite a difference of opinion between two of the three Election Commissioners. Now they have patched things up and seated them together.” On the appointment of chairpersons to boards and corporations, Shivakumar said a decision had already been taken in Delhi to provide opportunities to senior legislators first, followed by party workers. “The decision has been taken to give senior MLAs an opportunity in boards and corporations. After that, party workers should also be given an opportunity. The remaining process will be completed soon,” he said. Asked about providing ministerial positions to women in the Cabinet, Shivakumar said the issue would be discussed when he visits Delhi.On the disappearance of a Gadag AEE after allegedly leaving behind a death note, Shivakumar said several complaints had already been received against the officer and an investigation was underway. “There have already been several complaints against the officer, and an investigation is being conducted. There are allegations that he was not working according to the rules. We have instructed that whenever any work is undertaken, there should be video documentation of the site both before and after the work. This is intended to prevent fraud through fake bills. However, this officer was not visiting the sites. The investigation is underway. There have been cases of people going missing earlier as well. We have information about him having gone to Ajmer and Hyderabad. Everything is being examined,” he said. Do Not Force Farmers to Give Land

Reacting to the road blockade by farmers at Byramangala, Shivakumar said farmers should not be forced to give up their land. “Why should there be a road blockade? It causes inconvenience to the public. We are not putting pressure on anyone to give their land. I am telling them not to give their land. Those who need money to build their lives may give their land, while those who do not want to give it need not do so. I have no hurry or prestige attached to this issue. I am only continuing what Kumaraswamy had initiated,” he said.

Asked about reports of discussions on providing ₹250 crore to Visvesvaraya Technological University in Belagavi, Shivakumar said he did not have complete information on the matter at present and would look into it.

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The Hans India