Shivakumar Defends Withdrawal of Cases, Citing Actions of Previous Governments
Karnataka's Dy CM says case withdrawals span BJP, Congress, and activists, including the 2019 protest linked to the ED arrest.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar on Friday justified the State Government's decision to withdraw 60 criminal cases, including those against his supporters for stone-pelting incidents following his 2019 arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The Cabinet approved the move on Thursday, covering cases from various police stations involving BJP and Congress members, activists, farmers' groups, and other organisations.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Shivakumar argued the withdrawals address injustices, such as cases filed by the previous BJP government against him, current CM Siddaramaiah, and other leaders during COVID-19. "We have withdrawn cases against BJP people, Congress people... Should we sit quietly?" he questioned, highlighting protests for farmers' rights, language issues, and justice.
He pointed out that his ED arrest case was later dismissed by courts, questioning critics' silence on that outcome. Specific withdrawals include 2019 incidents in Chittapur and Kanakapura, where supporters allegedly pelted stones at buses and government offices post-arrest. Shivakumar, then an MLA, emphasised fairness, noting requests from the BJP for similar reliefs and hundreds of prior withdrawals under his government.
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The decision has sparked debate on political motivations, but Shivakumar maintained it's about equity across parties and causes. Authorities have not detailed all cases, but sources confirm the inclusions.
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