In a contentious move, the Karnataka State Government, led by the Congress party, has rescinded the order issued by the previous BJP government, headed by BS Yediyurappa, allowing a CBI investigation into allegations of disproportionate assets against Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. The decision, made during a Thursday evening cabinet meeting, has ignited controversy, with Opposition leaders decrying the move as illegal and expressing concerns over potential conflicts of interest.
The Cabinet decision was notably taken in the absence of DK Shivakumar, who is currently facing trial in the High Court over the allegations. Opposition leaders have vehemently protested the government’s decision, claiming it to be illegal and expressing concerns over potential conflicts of interest.
The case, initiated on September 25, 2019, saw DK Shivakumar’s assets under scrutiny, with a 380 percent increase reported between 2013 and 2018, as stated in the CBI FIR. The Opposition parties, including the BJP and JDS, have condemned the government’s decision, alleging it to be an attempt to shield Shivakumar from investigation. Former CM Yeddyurappa remarked that regardless of the government’s decision, the final judgment would come from the court. BJP State President Vijayendra criticised the move, stating that it goes against the law and accused the Congress government of protecting Shivakumar.
Former CM Kumaraswamy expressed his disagreement with the government’s decision, stressing the ongoing court proceedings against Shivakumar.
He argued that similar matters have been discussed twice in the High Court, and withdrawing the CBI inquiry at this juncture is erroneous. Former minister KS Eshwarappa went further, accusing Shivakumar of misusing the Cabinet and calling the decision an insult to democracy during a press conference in Shimoga.
In response to the Opposition’s allegations, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday said the previous government’s order was erroneous as there was no sanction from speaker or the governor. ‘’We consulted advocate General who told us that these orders can be withdrawn on technical grounds so it was ratified in the Cabinet and we have decided to withdraw because it was all politically motivated,’’ he said.