Karnataka, which has been witnessing dirty politics for a considerable amount of time now, has stooped to a new low with the former prime minister H D Deve Gowda using un-parliamentary language against chief minister B S Yeddyurappa and also the state advocate general.
Gowda's statements have created quite a furore in the state, with most leaders demanding a public apology from the former prime minister.
However, both the chief minister and the advocate general have decided to stay away from the controversy and say that let the people decide on the issue.
The overall issue deals with the controversial Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Project which is coming up on the Bangalore-Mysore Road. Gowda has accused the chief minister of favouring the implementers of the project and is also conducting several road shows claiming to show solidarity to farmers, who he feels have been given a raw deal.
Advocate General of Karnataka Ashok Harnahalli told rediff.com that matter has been cleared by both the Supreme Court and the high court which has given the green signal to the project.
Now if a former prime minister (Gowda) stands on the road and says that he is not bound by the order of the Supreme Court, it says a lot about him.
Asked about the legal recourse that the government intends to take on the abuses by the former prime minister, he said that law is not the course we have to take now.
"This is something that needs to be debated and under no circumstance should unparliamentary language be used. I am surprised that Gowda has reacted this way. Let the people take a decision on the matter. All I can say that on this issue pertaining to the project, the framework agreement was signed in 1997 and it was challenged before both the high court and the Supreme Court.
Both the courts had upheld the matter and had also come down heavily on the one's who challenged the agreement. If any of the farmers whose lands have been acquired feel that they have been given a raw deal where compensation is concerned, the law is always available. Let them go to the civil court and seek enhancement of compensation. Why fight this matter on the streets," he said.
On whether the government has decided to file a defamation suit against Gowda, the AG said that this option had not been considered as yet.
Yeddyyurappa said, "I will not stoop to the gutter. It only shows his culture. The man seems to have lost his mental balance and it is his frustration which is making him talk like this. I am sorry, but I shall not stoop to this level."
