Congress to file defamation case against BJP MLA in Karnataka

Dakshina Kannada district unit of the Congress is set to file a defamation case against Belthangady MLA Harish Poonja for making false allegations against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in a recent speech.

In the speech, Poonja had alleged that Siddaramaiah was responsible for the death of 24 Hindu workers in the district during his rule between 2013-18.

The audio and video clips of the speech had gone viral on social media. Addressing reporters here on Thursday, district Congress committee president Harish Kumar MLC said the party intends to file a defamation case against Poonja for his remarks.

He wondered why the previous BJP government in the State did not enquire into the murders if the allegation was true. Strong legal action should be taken against Poonja for the statement, Kumar said.

Meanwhile, KPCC coordinator and former corporator Pratibha Kulai also submitted a memorandum to the IGP (Western Range) Dr Chandra Gupta demanding stringent action against Poonja for his comments against Siddramaiah. Speaking to reporters, Kulai said Poonjas statement should be condemned. The BJP MLAs are polarising the society by spreading hatred, she alleged.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Federal staff and is auto-published from a syndicated feed.)