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Bangalore: allegedly multi-crore Bitcoin The scam in Karnataka has landed the BJP government in trouble, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi advising CM Basavaraj Bommai to exercise caution, ThePrint has learned.
Sources in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and BJP told ThePrint that Modi had sought clarification on the alleged scam during his meeting with Bommai on November 11, and also reminded the Karnataka chief minister what his priority should be – ensuring That the image of his government should not be tarnished. ,
The sources’ claims contradict what Bommai said after his statement meeting with PM. The CM did not reveal any secrets of the bitcoin issue being raised in the meeting, but Claimed That the PM “doesn’t want to pay much attention to the bitcoin issue”.
“However, I myself raised it. The Prime Minister assured me not to bother much on the issue of bitcoin,” he had said.
The alleged bitcoin scam was discovered by the Bengaluru Cybercrime Police in 2020 during an investigation into a drug case. The main accused in this case is 25 years old. hacker Srikrishna Ramesh alias Sriki, booked for hacking Karnataka government’s e-procurement portal and misappropriating funds, hacking an online poker site called Pacific Gaming Pvt Ltd, hacking bitcoin exchanges and stealing cryptocurrency has been done. Srikrishna, who came out on bail earlier this month, was Arrested In a separate case by Bengaluru police – over a dispute at a luxury hotel – but was again released on bail.
Since then the Congress has accused the Karnataka government of a fraudulent investigation. cover up In the case of offences, especially since Bommai has dismissed the case as a “non-issue”. Bommai was the state home minister in 2020 when Srikrishna was arrested. He took over as the CM of Karnataka in July this year after former CM BS Yediyurappa stepped down.
‘Clarification sought on bitcoin’
Bommai, a senior RSS functionary-turned-minister in the cabinet, spoke to ThePrint about the CM’s meeting with PM Modi last week, saying that even if he is the chief minister, nobody gets an appointment with the PM for an hour That is, until it happens. Whatever PM wants to say.
“Clarification has been sought on the bitcoin issue, but whether the PM was convinced by the response to the offer is not known,” the minister said, adding that the CM himself shared these details in an informal meeting with a group of cabinet colleagues. shared in. His return from Delhi.
More importantly, the Prime Minister had stressed on the need for Bommai to maintain a “clean image” for the government, especially after BS Yediyurappa’s exit in July this year. Charges Corruption And nepotism was brought against the Yeddyurappa government by BJP’s own leaders like Basanagouda Patil Yatnal.
“Whether you call it a warning or an advisory, the PM has asked Bommai to maintain a clean image for the government and ensure smooth functioning without room for doubt or dent in public perception,” the minister said.
Sources in Bommai’s office also expressed surprise at the length of the CM’s meeting with Modi last week. “The appointment was for 11 am. CM came out only in the afternoon. The length of the meeting surprised us too,” a source close to Bommai told ThePrint, adding that Bommai gave the PM an account of his 100 days in office and discussed various issues, including the bitcoin fiasco.
A second cabinet minister, who was aware of Bommai’s interaction during his meeting with the PM, said the CM has been asked not to worry about the upcoming 2023 assembly elections in Karnataka., But instead to focus on governance in the state.
“Bommai has been asked not to worry about increasing vote share, winning elections or increasing base, but for smooth running of the government. The PM has asked Bommai to leave this and the party to get off the ground six months before the elections,” said the second minister.
This advice comes after the recent by-elections in Hangal and Sindgi. Disappointment For Bommai – Though BJP won Sindgi, but Bommai’s backyard Hangal seat lost to Congress.
“While it is true that the Congress candidate was strong in Hangal, we could not consolidate Lingayat votes. We were expecting that Sadar Lingayats would vote collectively but they did not. This result could have changed,” said the second minister. This context was significant as Bommai belonged to the Sadar sub-sect of the Lingayat community.
Read also: Karnataka may reserve 10% land for EWS category entrepreneurs, raise 75% concession on value
Bitcoin alerts BJP leaders
BJP and Karnataka government sources say the bitcoin fiasco has alerted party leaders. Although BJP spokesperson has been defending Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar was the only minister in the Bommai cabinet to publicly hold a press conference to respond to the allegations of the Bommai government, Congress.
This did not go unnoticed by the opposition. “Does HM mean Home Minister or Health Minister? Why is the health minister holding a press conference on the bitcoin scam that comes under the purview of the home minister? Asked Congress MLA and former Karnataka IT minister Priyank Kharge, on November 13, hours after the health minister held a hasty press conference at 9 pm.
It is being said that BJP leaders are also waiting for clarity in the matter. “If the PM has taken interest in this, then there must be a reason for this. This is not an instance where someone is making a molehill mountain. Investigation and clarity are needed,” a senior MLA close to the central BJP leadership told ThePrint.
State BJP President Nalin Kumar Kateel Peace The issue has received attention from the opposition as well as party insiders. Another senior BJP MLA from coastal Karnataka – where Kateel also hails from – said, “We have contacted Kateel to talk about the bitcoin issue as we cannot speak on her behalf.”
(Edited by Polomi Banerjee)
Read also: How did Karnataka Congress use Mekedatu to promise to ‘expose BJP’s dual engine growth’?
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