DCC to file libel against BJP MLA for remark against CM

Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada District Congress Committee (DCC) has decided to file a civil and criminal defamation case against Belthangady MLA Harish Poonja for allegedly accusing chief minister Siddaramaiah of murdering 24 Hindus, if the MLA fails to tender an apology to the CM.
DCC president K Harish Kumar told reporters here on Thursday that Poonja has accused Siddaramaiah of committing 24 murders.“Our party leaders have filed complaints against Poonja at various police stations for making false accusations against Siddaramaiah. The legal cell of DCC also has decided to file a defamation case against the BJP MLA. The BJP was in power for nearly four years in the state. If Siddaramaiah had murdered 24 Hindu workers, what was the BJP government doing? They could have initiated a probe against Siddaramaiah,” Kumar said and alleged that Poonja used the 40% commission during election. “Nearly Rs 40 crore spent in a constituency. A case has already been registered against BJP workers for carrying money during election campaign in Belthangady,” he said.
He demanded that Poonja apologise for his remark against Siddaramaiah. “If the MLA does not apologise, the Congress will proceed with the defamation process,” he added.
DCC legal cell president R Manoraj said: “We will seek compensation under civil liabilities. Punishment will be sought as per the criminal liabilities. The quantum of compensation to be sought will be decided by the party leadership,” he added.
I’m not in race: MLC
MLC and DCC president K Harish Kumar said that he is not in the race for ministerial berth from the district.
While five-time MLA U T Khader has been made the speaker of the state assembly, there are two MLCs including Harish Kumar and Manjunath Bhandary, who represent Billava and Bunt community, respectively, may be considered for the ministerial berth. However, Harish said that he is not even thinking of becoming a minister. He said: “We have requested the leadership that senior Congress leader B K Hariprasad representing the Upper House be made a minister. MLC Bhandary also may get a ministerial berth. However, the party high command takes the final call.”