Bengaluru, 02 Oct (H.S.): Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has rejected Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy’s allegations concerning his family’s assets, saying the wealth was legally acquired and declared to the relevant authorities. He also challenged the JD(S) leader to a debate on the issue.

Responding to questions about assets valued at approximately ₹1,400 crore, Shivakumar acknowledged that the figure represented their current worth. However, he maintained that his family’s property holdings and financial details had already been disclosed to the authorities concerned.

“Is Kumaraswamy an income tax officer?” Shivakumar asked, questioning the Union minister’s basis for raising the matter.

Describing himself as the son of a farmer and businessman, Shivakumar said he had every right to acquire property legally and generate wealth through business activities. Anyone seeking clarification about his assets could approach the Income Tax Department, he added.

Shivakumar also questioned why JD(S) leaders were raising the issue now, turning attention to Kumaraswamy and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda’s association with the Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE) project.

He said Deve Gowda had signed the agreement relating to the project and pointed out that Kumaraswamy was Chief Minister in 2007. He asked why Kumaraswamy had remained silent on the matter for years.

The Congress leader further raised questions about properties allegedly owned by Kumaraswamy and his family in areas linked to the Bangalore-Mysore Infrastructure Corridor, NICE Road and Bidadi township projects.

However, Shivakumar said he did not intend to make allegations against Kumaraswamy and was merely responding to questions from journalists.

He reiterated that the current value of his family’s assets should not be interpreted as evidence of wrongdoing, maintaining that the properties had been acquired through lawful means.

Challenging Kumaraswamy to discuss the matter openly, Shivakumar maintained that his family’s financial disclosures were already available to the relevant authorities and that its wealth was legitimate.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman