Karnataka CM Defends Minister Amidst Contractor Suicide Controversy

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah defended Rural Development Minister Priyank Kharge amidst allegations related to the suicide of civil contractor Sachin Panchal. While Kharge's name is not mentioned in the suicide note, BJP pressures for his resignation. CM Siddaramaiah awaits CID's investigation results while challenging BJP's demand for a CBI probe.

Amidst mounting political pressure, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has come to the defense of Rural Development Minister Priyank Kharge, who is embroiled in the controversy surrounding the suicide of civil contractor Sachin Panchal.

Despite the absence of Kharge's name in Panchal's suicide note, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has demanded his resignation, alleging connections with the accused Raju Kapanur. The Chief Minister emphasized that there is no evidence implicating Kharge and criticized BJP's call for a CBI investigation, citing their own reluctance to involve the agency during their tenure.

The case has been assigned to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for thorough inquiry. Siddaramaiah reaffirmed his confidence in the state police and awaited the CID report to conclude Kharge's involvement, if any. Meanwhile, controversies continue to stir within the state's legislative council, with the BJP's C T Ravi facing separate allegations.

(With inputs from agencies.)