Misuse of secretariat: CM refutes allegation

Karnataka chief minister B S Yeddyurappa today denied the opposition's charge that state secretariat has been misused in favour of BJP for electioneering purposes.

"There is not even a shred of evidence and iota of truth in the allegations by opposition parties about involvement of senior officials of my secretariat in electioneering," he said in response to a question at the sidelines of a function here. He said he has written to chief secretary (Sudhakar Rao) to order a comprehensive enquiry into the charges made against joint secretary Nanda Kumar, who reportedly participated in a BJP meeting at Chikamagalur. "The election observer's report in this regard is based on a complaint lodged by Congress and JD(S).

There is no truth behind the charges. He (Nanda Kumar) had gone to the house of his relative with the knowledge and consent of the district deputy commissioner. I have told the chief secretary to look into all these issues," Yeddyurappa said.

He also denied the charge levelled by former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy that his principal secretary V P Baligar had misused his office to further BJP's electoral prospects. "This only indicates the frustration of opposition parties, who have realised they will be defeated in the polls," he said.

Asked whether he was contemplating any action against the opposition leaders, Yeddyurappa said he would reply to this question once the results are out on May 16.