Bengaluru: Former BJP minister Ramesh Jarkiholi has accused Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar of attaining the position of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president through threats to Sonia Gandhi. He labeled Shivakumar as a 'blackmailer,' alleging that the Deputy CM compelled the former Congress president to visit Tihar jail in Delhi.
"DK Shivakumar is a big blackmailer. He forced Sonia Gandhi to meet him in Tihar jail. Shivakumar became KPCC president by threatening Sonia Gandhi. He threatened her that he would reveal her name in the ED case," Ramesh said in Belagavi.
The Gokak MLA also accused Shivakumar of 'blackmailing' several individuals, including numerous Congress leaders.
Ramesh Demands CBI Probe in His CD Case
The BJP leader resigned in 2021 after a video of his intimate moments with a woman went viral. He was accused of enticing the woman by promising her a government job.
Speaking to reporters, Ramesh Jarkiholi stated that he has written to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara, and Director General and Inspector General of Police Alok Mohan, requesting a CBI probe into the incident.
"I have written to the CM demanding a CBI probe in the CD case. I have clear evidence of DK Shivakumar's role in the CD case. I have an audio recording in which he has accepted that he was behind the CD along with three others, including a woman. In case the government fails to hand over the case to CBI, I am prepared to approach the High Court or Supreme Court," Ramesh said.
In response to Home Minister Parameshwara's statement that he was speaking without proof, Ramesh said that if the minister assures him of justice, he is ready to submit the proof within an hour. Otherwise, he would resign as an MLA and retire from politics. Ramesh Jarkiholi also accused a BJP leader of involvement in his CD case.
"DK Shivakumar's CD factory must be shut. I was silent all these years as it was my mistake. But, he is repeatedly targeting me, and hence I have decided to fight legally. I don't know why Shivakumar's car driver Parashivamurthy was not questioned by the SIT during the BJP government. I don't want to embarrass the party. But, there is the climax, he is a very big person, and everything will be revealed once Shivakumar is arrested," Ramesh added.
The Gokak MLA also accused Shivakumar of attempting to implicate him in terror-related cases.
"Shivakumar is trying everything possible to frame me. I am receiving calls from Assam, Dubai, and other countries. They talk about some terror-related work. Shivakumar wants to record it and frame me in fake cases. Shivakumar is the student of Kotwal Ramachandra, and you never know what he will do," Ramesh added, stating that he is not involved in any 'operation Kamala' as claimed by Congress leaders.
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