Mysuru: KPCC spokesperson M Lakshmana issued a strong warning of a defamation suit in response to former CM HD Kumaraswamy’s claim that a minister gifted a foreign sofa set worth Rs 1.9 crore to CM Siddaramaiah. Lakshmana challenged Kumaraswamy to provide evidence and criticized his involvement in what he termed as “low-level politics.”
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Lakshmana warned of legal consequences, stating that if Kumaraswamy’s statements were to be believed, they should come with a price. He questioned the authenticity of the claims and challenged Kumaraswamy to provide concrete evidence, expressing disappointment at the level of politics Kumaraswamy was engaging in.
Lakshmana refuted Kumaraswamy’s assertions about the sofa set’s cost, stating that two sets provided to the CM’s official residence were priced at Rs 72,250 and Rs 1,27,850, not the alleged Rs 1.9 crore. He accused Kumaraswamy of playing to the public for political gain and asserted that filing a defamation case was under consideration. The political exchange intensified as Lakshmana questioned Kumaraswamy’s approach, stating that the former CM should speak in a believable manner. He criticized Kumaraswamy’s tactics and mentioned receiving threats from Kumaraswamy supporters, emphasizing that the Congress party should not be underestimated.
M Lakshmana shifted the discussion to the JDS drought study, urging Kumaraswamy to focus on genuine drought issues instead of seeking photo opportunities. He accused Kumaraswamy of being influenced by the BJP and claimed that the BJP had given a “supari” (contract) to the JDS. The spokesperson also addressed Kumaraswamy’s inquiry about a pen drive, labeling it a tragedy for the state.
