Prove involvement, get my resignation: HDK

BANGALORE: Pleading not guilty in the alleged renewal of mining licence to Janthkal Mining Company when he was chief minister of Karnataka, JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy has vowed to retire from politics if the charges against him are proved in court. Addressing newsmen at his party office here on Tuesday, Kumaraswamy strongly denied his involvement in the above charge and allotment of land to a private housing society Vishwabharathi Housing Society.Stating that he would abide by the decision of the court on the issue, the former chief minister avowed that he would retire from politics if the charges are proved against him.He expressed confidence that he would emerge unscathed from court on the charges hurled against him.On the charges, the JD(S) leader elucidated that the involvement of an officer in the renewal of mining licence, who was also reportedly behind the petition would be exposed soon. “The order relating to the Vishwa Bharathi Housing Society was passed during the Governor’s rule. When in office, I ensured the end of illegal encroachment of government land in and Bangalore which had resulted in unearthing of over 30,000 acres. Neither I nor my family members were involved in encroachment,” he said.