Diary case: Not my diary, not my handwriting, says Karnataka MLC Govindaraju
Bengaluru: In a move that could severely damage the party's prospects in the ongoing U.P. elections as well as badly dent the reputation of the Congress in one of its last bastions, Karnataka, the electronic media began airing the explosive details of a diary of a Karnataka MLC K. Govindaraju who is also parliamentary secretary to chief minister Siddaramaiah.
Mr Govindaraju who was in the eye of controversy and claims, just as CM Siddaramaiah does that he is being targeted because of his proximity to the CM, told Deccan Chronicle, "This diary is very mysterious. The handwriting is not mine, so I disown it."
Coming a month after AICC vice president Rahul Gandhi 's bid to embarrass Prime Minister Narendra Modi with details of the Sahara-Birla diaries, this diary reportedly details payments made by Karnataka ministers to AICC leaders during and after the Lok Sabha elections.
Mr.Govindraju affirmed the IT raid had indeed happened on his home and office but he also said, "It happened in March 2016. Thereafter, I replied to the IT department’s queries and the matter was over," and sought to know why the media was not showing his clarification, where he had refuted all the allegations.
The television expose meanwhile mirrors charges made a month ago by BJP state unit president, B.S. Yeddyurappa against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah maintaining that the latter had paid over Rs 1000 crore to the party high command to save his seat. He had also alleged that the money was carried by his parliamentary secretary, Mr Govindaraju to Delhi.
Soon after Mr. Yeddyurappa public accusations, Mr Govindaraju reportedly wrote a letter to IT department asking whether they shared details of the IT raid carried out in March 2016 with any politicians.
He also asked the IT department whether they shared the details of his diary with Mr Yeddyurappa. This had given more ammunition to the opposition BJP in Karnataka which said that Mr Govindaraju, by writing to IT department, had admitted his guilt. However, Mr Govindaraju categorically denied he had written any such letter to the IT department. The diary which was aired on the day that the Congress party held a 'Satyameva Jayate' rally in Bengaluru, meanwhile lists several acronyms such as K.J.G and M.B.P against which the amounts of cash have been listed. It has been alleged to be the names of Bengaluru development minister, K.J. George and water resources minister, M.B. Patil. Both have denied involvement. It also lists an 'M. Vora', RG’s office and S.G's office interpreted as AICC leader Motilal Vora and Rahul and Sonia Gandhi’s office.
One of the more curious entries is Steel Flyover payment of Rs 65 crore which Mr Yeddyurappa alleges is a kickback for the Bengaluru Steel Flyover project which was opposed strongly by civil society. Said KPCC working president Dinesh Gundurao: "When the raid happened, if I am right, the steel flyover tender was not even talked about, let alone finalised. So, how come they raise this diary and kickback issue unless it is to get political mileage in the next assembly elections. We all know it will not stand the test of law." Gundurao added "The BJP is in power at Centre. They are free to conduct an inquiry and bring the culprit to book if they find any credible evidence. Who will stop them? As far as I know, after Mr Govindaraju clarified his position, the case was closed. Instead of pursuing the investigation by the IT department, the BJP has indulged in politicising the issue. It is condemnable," he said.
