Mangaluru: Objecting to politicians ‘misusing’ the government platform for political purposes, activist Shashidhar Shetty has written to the governor seeking permission to file a criminal complaint against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Ministers D.K. Shivakumar, U.T. Khader and Ramanath Rai for ‘misuse of office and power and for using tax payers’ money for personal gain and profit.’

“On August 22, the CM visited Bantwal for the inauguration of mini Vidhana Soudha and also for laying the foundation stone for various development projects in Dakshina Kannada. During his speech, the CM spoke ill about other political parties and their leaders and put forth his Congress’ political agenda. The other three ministers too made similar speeches,” Mr Shetty, who is the state secretary of National Environment Care Federation (NECF) stated in the letter. “Public money has been utilised for the inauguration, CM convoy's transportation, sound system, shamiyama, mineral water, dry fruits and others. But for his election gimmick, the tax payers’ money has been utilized,” he alleged.





“The CM and ministers have misused their office, power and tax payers’ money. The governor should suo motu initiate action against the CM and ministers after going through my complaint and order an ACB or CBI inquiry. Otherwise he should permit me to initiate criminal action under section 197 of CRPC against them. I will file a case at a Mangaluru court,” Shetty told reporters at Mangaluru on Thursday. He asked the governor to take steps to recover the money used for the programme from the Congress.

Mr Shetty also brought to the notice of the governor the fact that during the mini Vidhana Soudha inauguration at Bantwal at which CM Siddaramaiah was present, Congress workers broke the main entrance door.

“The expense incurred for repairing the same must be recovered the Congress,” he demanded.