Congress' Priyank Kharge lashes out at BJP for misusing CBI agencies

New Delhi: On Thursday the Karnataka government withdrew the consent for CBI to probe cases in the state. This has led to a political face-off bwetwen the Congress and the BJP. Senior Minister in the Siddarmaiah government Priyank Kharge challenged the BJP to provide evidence or proof if they have any of any alleged corruption in the MUDA case.
"The CM is very clear that he's open to investigation. And we have also set up an SIT with one retired judge at the helm of affairs. BJP is more than free to give any documents of any nature to them. And now that the Lokayukta is also in the loop, they are free to do that too. Instead of talking to the media, let them give all the documents that they have to the investigative agencies," he said.
He also countered on the question of BJP demanding CM's resignation and case to be filed
"Lokayukta will take a call on the investigation. They are independent bodies and whether the CM has to resign or the next steps for the CM will be decided by the party. Who is BJP to tell us what to do? First, let them look inward. What are they?"
On the matter of the BJP misusing investigative agencies against opposition parties, Kharge recalled a Supreme Court statement on CBI.
"Supreme Court has told that CBI has become a caged parrot. So we are ensuring that the parrot remains caged there only. Whatever is legal, if there are interstate offences that have happened, high bank fraudulence that has happened, we will let them ask permission if it deems fit, and we will give it. What is wrong with that," he said.
He added, "Even if they have a shred of evidence, let them give it to Lokayukta. What is this time and again coming out and protesting in front of the Gandhi statue? First, they don't even believe in Gandhiji. Only whenever these things come to attract attention, did they go in front of Gandhi. Let them do a protest".