The Karnataka Congress on Tuesday accused former Chief Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Kumaraswamy of resorting to power theft to decorate his Bengaluru residence on the occasion of Diwali. Sharing a video establishing the theft, the Congress accused Kumaraswamy of drawing electricity directly from a nearby power line to illuminate his house on the occasion.
“You held a press meet and blabbered that Karnataka was in the dark. Now, you are using stolen power to illuminate your home. When your house is shining so brightly, how can you claim that Karnataka is under darkness?” the Congress asked in a post on X.
Taking a dig at the CM, the Congress said that if Kumaraswamy was under such financial stress, he could have availed 200 units of free power under the Gruha Jyothi Scheme launched by the Congress-ruled government in the state.
Responding to the charges, Kumaraswamy admitted to availing the services of a private decorator who had tested the lighting by drawing power directly from a nearby electricity pole. “I realised this when I returned home and immediately removed it and ensured that power was drawn from the house connection,” Kumaraswamy said on X.
“This matter came to my attention when I came back home last night. I immediately removed it and connected the electricity from the meter board of the house. This is the reality. There is nothing hidden in this…I am sorry for this indiscretion. Let the BESCOM officials come and inspect and issue a notice,” Kumaraswamy said, adding that he was concerned about the “petty mentality” of the Congress party.
