Reddy retracks charges against K'swamy

Bangalore: Uproar and commotion are not new to the Karnataka Assembly as seen in the past few weeks when a number of issues stalled normal proceedings.

But on Friday, the House witnessed a curious turn of events.

Janardhan Reddy, the BJP MLC from Bellary, did a complete U-turn and took back the charges that he had levelled against Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy. He had earlier claimed that the Chief Minister had taken Rs 150 crore as bribe from the mine owners in Bellary.

The JD(S)-BJP combine in Karnataka has been rocked by one controversy after another. The latest was a slew of bribery allegations against the Chief Minister levelled by none other than BJP's own Janardhan Reddy. But on Friday, Reddy's U-turn helped the coalition ward off any trouble to the BJP-JDS government.

"Somebody under the name of the Chief Minister has been taking money from the mine owners. I was informed about this and the issue should be taken seriously," Janardhan Reddy, Bellary MLC, said.

Nearly a week after he made the charge, Reddy said he only meant that 'daylight robbery is being committed in the name of the Chief Minister'. Reddy also insisted that he had no malafide intentions and had only spoken about the misuse of the Chief Minister's name.

Reddy made this announcement at a hurriedly convened press conference immediately after his return from New Delhi where he held talks with senior party leaders.

The Chief Minister's reaction was one of predictable vindication. "I am not embarrassed by the allegations, I feel pity," Kumaraswamy said.

The Karnataka Legislative Assembly has seen a very uneasy coalition over the last few weeks. However, compromise politics seems to reign supreme -- be it the BMIC issue or the bribery case. Nobody wants to jeopardise their seat of power.

However, Reddy's turnaround was not all. There was more action in the Assembly. Former deputy chief minister Siddaramaiah wasn't allowed to submit his resignation in the House. According to protocol, he has to inform the Speaker about his resignation.

"It is about not allowing communal forces to strengthen, that is why I am joining the Congress," Siddaramaiah later said.