Kumaraswamy condemns party MLC’s actions in Mandya

Mysuru: Former chief minister and senior JD(S) member HD Kumaraswamy on Sunday condemned the actions of his party colleague and MLC KT Srikantegowda, who was allegedly among those who attacked journalists from whom swab samples were being collected at a community hall on Saturday.
Kumaraswamy, in KR Nagar on Sunday, said that he would not defend his party legislator but questioned the Mandya district administration’s decision to collect samples at Ambedkar Bhavan – a community hall – and not at the district hospital.“The incident was a highly unfortunate one. But had the procedure been conducted at the district hospital, it could have been avoided,” the former CM said.
Mandya district in-charge minister KC Narayana Gowda came down heavily on Srikantegowda, stating that the latter was out of place dictating officials about the choice of venue for collection of samples. “The samples were not being collected from people at Srikantegowda’s home. It was a community hall, which is public property,” said Narayana Gowda.
The minister said that the government was hugely appreciative of the efforts of the role being played by journalists in the fight against Covid-19, and had stepped forward to offer its support to those in the profession. “The MLC’s actions are an indication of his arrogance,” Narayana Gowda added.
Mysuru MP Pratap Simha joined Narayana Gowda in criticising Srikantegowda, stating that MLAs, MLCs or MPs were not empowered to interfere during collection of samples and similar procedures. “The venue is decided by the officials and not elected representatives,” Simha added.