Karnataka CM ready to face probe over Diwali gift

Forty-eight hours after Diwali cash gift from Karnataka CM’s office (CMO) to journalists made waves, CM Basavaraj Bommai said he is ready to face a Lokayukta probe into the controversy, which is “part of a Congress toolkit designed to spread lies about my government.” He distanced himself from the row and denied issuing any orders to give bribes to senior journalists and editors of newspapers and TV media. Bommai said: “The matter is before the Lokayukta, with a complaint filed against the CMO and its officials. It now has its own police wing. Let them investigate. I’m ready to face investigations. I never instructed anyone to pay the bribe.”