Congress using governor to destabilise BJP govt in Karnataka: BJP

The Congress is trying to destabilise the BJP government in Karnataka through the state's governor who openly admitted that he is proud to be a Congressman, senior BJP leader M Venkaiah Naidu charged today.

"Congress is unable to digest that it has been defeated in Karnataka. They are trying to defame and destabilise the BJP government headed by Yeddyurappa by using the governor, who has openly admitted that he is proud to be Congressman," he told reporters ïn Hyderabad.

Naidu also distributed photo copies of the media reports on the statement of governor HR Bhardwaj.

Asking why the Congress is not ready to accept a probe into allegations of illegal mining against the Reddy brothers by lok ayukta or a House committee of legislators, Naidu alleged that the Congress is insisting on a CBI inquiry because they can manipulate the premier investigation agency as per their political convenience.

"The chief minister has categorically said the ministers will have to go if the allegations are proved. He is ready for probe by the lok ayukta or House committee. Still, Congress wants investigation only by CBI because it has become Congress Bureau of Investigation. Are we so innocent to agree to this," he said. The CBI is misused by Congress in the cases against Lalu Prasad Yadav, Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati, Naidu alleged.

Observing that mere allegations need not be ground for resignation of public representatives, the BJP leader claimed that half the Union cabinet would be vacant if the ministers facing allegations of corruption quit their posts.

"They also demand Yeddyurappa's resignation. What about telecom scam, IPL scam and other scams. Should the prime minister resign?," he said.

Asserting that he has not given any clean chit to anybody, he said the BJP leadership is ready to act against the guilty if the allegations are proved.

Asked if the BJP demanded the recall of the governor, he said the party would raise the issue in Parliament and would devise an appropriate strategy.

Referring to the arrest of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidu in Maharashtra over Babhli barrage issue, he said the issue flared up as the Centre has "failed" to take effective steps to resolve it.

The Centre should speak to chief ministers of both Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra to solve the problem, he said.

He, however, added the TDP could have taken up yatrataken up yatra to "inspect" the Babhli project due to political reasons.

Naidu said his party would hand over the signatures of five crore people, collected across the country as a mark of protest against price rise, to the President on July 29.