Cong high command 'unhappy' with Karnataka CM's move on anti-graft panel

New Delhi, Mar 22: The Congress high command is not happy with the Siddaramaiah government's decision to set up the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).

According to a senior Congress leader, the high command is of the view that the move is against public opinion, especially civil society - which consider setting up ACB as a diversionary tactics helping those facing corruption charges.

“An opinion is being created that by setting up the ACB, the State government is trying to shield corrupt politicians and bureaucrats,” a senior party leader told Deccan Herald.

With a number of cases pending against politicians, including several ministers with the Lokayukta, the government's move would create confusion in the minds of public.

Instead of the ACB, the government should have taken corrective measures if there were deficiencies in the functioning of the Lokayukta, the leader added. The party's image, dented over chief minister's watch row, will take a further beating, he said.

Even senior party leaders in the State have already expressed their views against the decision, he added.

Timing

The high command is worried about the timing of the move and the party's efforts to defend action. With elections to five Assemblies announced, the Opposition could rake up the issue and corner the party on corruption issue.