'Vendetta politics' is in Kumaraswamy's DNA: Karnataka Deputy CM

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Thursday rejected claims of vendetta politics asserting that government officials were simply executing court orders in the encroachment case involving Union Minister H D KumaraswamyThe case concerns the alleged encroachment of 14 acres in Karnatakas Ramanagara district by Kumaraswamys familySpeaking to reporters he alleged Vendetta politics is in Kumaraswamys DNA The officials have only acted as per court orders The case was filed by activist S R Hiremath How is this vendetta politicsWe did not lodge any complaint it was filed by Hiremath He has also filed many cases against me Government officials are simply doing their job following the courts directive There is no vendetta in thisShivakumar also responded to Kumaraswamys remarks against him in MysuruKumaraswamy has spoken a lot about me His father has also made several statements against me They have filed cases against me my wife my sister and my brother We remained silent because we had a coalition government with them It would be in his best interest to stay silent he addedShivakumar also accused Kumaraswamy of pressuring the Centre not to rename Ramanagara districtWe are aware that Kumaraswamy has influenced the Centre to block the renaming of Ramanagara district But we dont need to beg anyone in a constitutional setup We have written to the Centre seeking clarification he claimedFurther he added Some ministers in Delhi may have conspired but we will not give up We know how to rename and develop a districtResponding to criticism that the renaming effort is driven by real estate interests he said We want what is best for our people Our people belong to Bengaluru districtiquestis it wrong to work for their welfareAsked about his meeting with the party high command Shivakumar said On the 100th anniversary of the Belagavi convention we have decided to set up 100 Congress party offices across the state I met the high command to seek their time for the foundationlaying ceremony We will lay the foundation stones for three party offices including one on Race Course RoadResponding to BJP State President B Y Vijayendras criticism of his use of the word chatri in Mandya recently he said I can call the people close to me whatever I wish It is between them and me It was just personal banteriquestnothing moreRegarding questions about relinquishing his role as state party president Shivakumar said The party will decide I have done my duty and no one including me is permanent here I would like to complete the construction of Congress party offices during my tenure Whether it happens in five years or ten I am in no hurry I will abide by the partys decisionTo a query about BJP MLA Munirathnas claim that his life is under threat he said I will speak to the Speaker and ensure he receives the necessary treatmentOn reports of a 36paise hike in electricity tariffs Shivakumar said he was unaware of the development but would discuss it with the State Energy Minister KJ GeorgeThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever