Karnataka Chief Minister Expresses Suspicion of BJP and its Affiliates in Regards to 'Fake Letter' Targeting Agriculture Minister

Karnataka CM Raises Concerns over Alleged "Fake" Bribery Letter, Targets BJP and JDS

Karnataka's Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, has stirred controversy by questioning the potential involvement of the BJP or its political "brother" in a purported "fake letter" scandal. The letter accuses Agriculture Minister N Cheluvarayaswamy of soliciting bribes from officials. This suspicion arises after the Governor initiated a government investigation into the matter.

Siddaramaiah's reference to the "brother" is widely interpreted as a veiled reference to JD(S) leader and former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, suggesting political intrigue amid the post-election landscape.

The letter in question, allegedly authored by seven assistant agriculture directors in Mandya district, claims that Cheluvarayaswamy demanded sums ranging from ₹6 to 8 lakh from department officers. In an alarming twist, the complainants even threatened self-harm for themselves and their families if the purported corruption persisted.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah took to Twitter on Monday to assert, "It has been established that the circulating letter in the public domain is counterfeit. The joint agriculture director has clarified that no district officers have authored such a letter." He added a pointed query to the leaders of BJP, asking if they were responsible for the "slanderous" fake letter.

Siddaramaiah ensured that the government would thoroughly examine the issue and pledged to conduct an inquiry if deemed necessary.

Upon receiving the letter, Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot referred it to Chief Secretary Vandita Sharma on August 1, entrusting her with the task of investigating the matter in line with established procedures. Minister Cheluvarayaswamy, the letter's subject, expressed skepticism about its authenticity and vowed to investigate further.

Cheluvarayaswamy's interactions with Agriculture Joint Director V S Ashoka led to assertions that the letter was indeed fraudulent. Ashoka subsequently gathered assistant directors from Mandya's taluks for a meeting, during which they collectively denied writing any letter to the Governor.

In response to the unfolding events, Minister Cheluvarayaswamy commented, "The letter seems to be a fabrication aimed at tarnishing my reputation. I intend to instruct our department secretary to launch an investigation." Amid these allegations and counterclaims, the unfolding scenario promises to draw significant attention in the political landscape.