Bengaluru: Union minister HD Kumaraswamy Friday accused the Congress govt in Karnataka of funding Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protests in Delhi, alleging taxpayers’ money was being “used to create unrest”.Reacting to home minister Priyank Kharge’s reported remark that Congress and CJP were one, Kumaraswamy alleged that Priyank had even assured protesters they would face no legal action.“Karnataka taxpayers are being looted,” he alleged, displaying a video purportedly featuring Priyank’s making the remarks.On the delay in ordering an investigation into the alleged sting operation involving former CM Siddaramaiah, Kumaraswamy claimed Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah had met privately and reached a decision. “I am keenly awaiting their decision,” he said.Responding to Priyank’s criticism that he had no work in Delhi, Kumaraswamy claimed BHEL’s profits had risen from Rs 200 crore to more than Rs 1,500 crore under his stewardship. He said SAIL was moving towards profits of Rs 3,500 crore and that he had set a target of Rs 10,000 crore for the next financial year.Meanwhile, Priyank, in Mysuru hit back, accusing Kumaraswamy of “diminishing the dignity of his own position”. He said Kumaraswamy has “no real work in Delhi as a minister” and is “jealous” of chief minister DK Shivakumar’s rise. “There is no cure for jealousy,” Priyank said. He said Kumaraswamy has been making unsubstantiated statements because he has “not been able to secure a leadership position in Karnataka”. Priyank challenged the Union minister to produce evidence instead of making reckless allegations. He alleged RSS had outsourced the job of abusing him (Priyank) to Kumaraswamy.Opposition BJP also questioned Congress’ links with CJP after a widely shared video showed Priyank saying the two “were the same”. Speaking at a Gen Z event Thursday, Priyank joked Congress and CJP supporters were alike. Reacting to the video, legislative council opposition leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy questioned their relationship and accused Congress of “preaching morality while concealing political connections”.
