CM Basavaraj Bommai could have got corrupt MLA arrested easily: Karnataka ex-CM Siddaramaiah

MYSURU/ HASSAN: Opposition leader Siddaramaiah on Monday said Channagiri MLA Madalu Virupakshappa, who has been booked by Lokayukta police following a raid on his son Prashanth Madal, is being protected by chief minister Basavaraj Bommai.
“On the day Lokayukta cops caught Prashanth red-handed, the MLA should have been arrested. The MLA could have been picked up the next day when went to meet the CM openly. The look-out noticed issued by Lokayukta cops on Sunday is for public consumption,” he told reporters here. He claimed the MLA is staying at his home.
Siddaramaiah said Bommai always demanded proof whenever the opposition leaders made charges of corruption against him and the ministers. “Here is the proof,” he said, adding BJP leaders should be embarrassed with the development.
KPCC working president R Dhruvanarayana on Monday said Congress central leaders will hold a discussion about the party candidates during their two-day visit from March 7. According to him, the central leaders have gathered feedback from local leaders. “They have also held meetings with the KPCC working presidents,” he told reporters here. He added KPCC has extended its list to the party’s screening committee, which will finalise the candidates list and send it to the party high command.
Meanwhile, JD(S) leader H D Revanna on Monday charged disgruntled party MLA K M Shivalingegowda for claiming former CM Siddaramaiah has made contributions for the development of Arasikere assembly constituency. “JD(S) gave a drinking water project for Arasikere. If JD(S) did not make Shivalingegowda an MLA, how he would be taking up development works?” he asked. He took all the benefits from JD(S) for the last 15 years and is now prepared to join Congress, he told reporters in Hassan. TNN