Friday, September 15 2006 16:22 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: The Opposition Congress in Karnataka today (Sept 15, 2006)submitted a memorandum to Governor T N Chaturvedi demanding that he recommend dismissal of the JDS-BJP coalition government headed by H D Kumaraswamy in connection with the Rs 150 crore bribery charges.

The Congress renewed its plea to the Governor to recommend to the Centre to order for a CBI probe into the bribery charges made by suspended BJP legislator Janardhana Reddy against the Chief Minister, Home Minister M P Prakash and Forest Minister Chenigappa.

It also asked the constitutional head to recommend to the Centre to initiate action under the Forest and Environment Act, Mining Act, Income Tax Act and other state and Central acts for violation of law against 'the culprits'.

"Criminal cases should be registered against Kumaraswamy and his family members and against Chennigappa and they should be arrested in accordance with provisions of law, the memorandum, the second one to be submitted since July 20 on the bribery allegations", he said.

Pointing to the release of two CDs claiming as evidence of alleged collection of bribes from illegal mines owners of Bellary, the Congress leaders pointed out now there are new and very revealing evidence of money demanded and received by Chennigappa.

. KPCC President M Mallikarjun Kharge, Opposition Congress leaders in both houes of legisalture H K Patil and N Dharam Singh, Siddaramaiah, D K Shivakumar, R V Deshpande and others were part of the delegation that called on the Governor.

The Congress has furnished various documents related to purchase of properties by the family members of JDS supremo H D Devegowda, statement of bank transactions of some of the family members and the properties purchased.

Quoting from the conversations recorded in the CDs the memorandum said in addition to Chennigappa acknowledging money received, he makes direct allegations about large amount of money collected by the chief minister

"We believe that it is now established beyond doubt that the chief minsiter and his entire family and his colleagues are direct beneficiaries of the alleged bribe of Rs 150 crore for permitting illegal mining in Bellary district", it said.

Kharge later speaking to the press said there is a 'clinching evidence' against the government and the party expects the governor to act.