In a sharp critique of the Congress-led Karnataka government, BJP state president Vijayendra on Monday accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of corruption, alleging that anarchy has been created in the state. Vijayendra’s remarks came after meeting with Congress leader and PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi, demanding a transparent investigation into the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam.
“We are demanding a transparent investigation into the MUDA scam. The Siddaramaiah government is mired in corruption, and the state has created anarchy. The MUDA and Valmiki scams should be thoroughly investigated. The Chief Minister’s actions have shown that wrongdoing has occurred,” Vijayendra stated.
In addition to addressing the MUDA scam, Vijayendra raised concerns about two tolls on a state highway causing difficulties for farmers and students. “Farmers are inconvenienced, and it is difficult for children to go to school. We have requested the PWD Minister to shift the tolls, and he has positively assured us that a meeting with officials will be called soon,” Vijayendra said.
In response to BJP’s assertions that the Congress government is on the verge of collapse, PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi dismissed the claims, affirming that Siddaramaiah would remain in office. “There is no question of Siddaramaiah resigning. The BJP keeps alleging that our government will fall, but there is no chance of that happening,” Jarkiholi countered.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who has faced mounting pressure over the MUDA land scam, last week reiterated his refusal to step down. He emphasized that his government enjoys the support of the people and will complete its full five-year term.
“I became Chief Minister with the blessings of the people. No one can do anything until we have their support. We will continue to govern for five years,” Siddaramaiah stated. He further expressed confidence in his integrity, saying, “I believe in the courts and my conscience. As Gandhiji said, the court of conscience is the highest of all courts.”
The MUDA land allotment scam gained attention when the Enforcement Directorate (ED) booked Siddaramaiah for money laundering related to the alleged illegal allotment of 14 sites worth Rs 56 crore to his wife, Parvathi. Following a court order, the Mysuru Lokayukta officially launched an inquiry into the case on September 27. In response, Parvathi Siddaramaiah offered to surrender the 14 plots to the MUDA Commissioner. The investigation continues to unfold as political tensions rise in Karnataka.
