Will file defamation case if linked with Kalkal: Hooda

Tribune News Service

Karnal, May 28

Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda today claimed that he had no connection with Sudeep Kalkal, who was arrested in connection with provoking violence during the Jat agitation.

An audio clip purportedly revealed his role in the arson at Finance Minister Capt Abhimanyu’s house.

“If BJP leaders link me with Kalkal, I will file a defamation case against them. Kalkal has several photographs with BJP leaders, including Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar,” Hooda told the media here today.

He reiterated his demand for making the Prakash Singh Committee report public. “People have the right to know the committee’s findings.” The Congress leader blamed the government for failing to prevent violence during the Jat agitation and ensuring safety of the people.

“I had faced several agitations during my regime, but never witnessed such violence. This shows failure of the BJP government,” he said. About the CBI raids, Hooda said: “I have nothing to hide. It was a politically motivated move.”

Former Haryana Assembly speaker Kuldeep Sharma, who was present at the meet, accused Khattar of not taking care of Karnal residents. He objected to calling Karnal a “CM city” and said no development had started so far.