Karnataka MUDA Scandal Sparks Political Clash: BJP Demands CBI Probe, Chief Minister Under Fire

The political confrontation between the Congress and BJP intensifies over allegations against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case. The BJP, demanding a CBI probe, staged protests while criticising the Chief Minister for alleged corruption.

Allegations against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case have escalated into a war of words between the Congress and the BJP. On Friday, BJP cadres protested in Mysuru, demanding a CBI investigation into the case. R. Ashoka, leader of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, criticised the Chief Minister on social media platform X.

"As the legal scrutiny intensifies in the Rs 4,000-crore MUDA land grab case, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, in his usual manner, is seeking protection under the guise of caste. CM Siddaramaiah, did not your leader Rahul Gandhi face court reprimand for insulting the Modi surname, a backward class individual and a two-time prime minister? What contributions have they made for Dalits and backward communities while enjoying power? You have exploited Dalit resources, usurped their positions, and betrayed them. Accountability is inevitable," Ashoka posted. Earlier today, Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra and other party members were detained by police in Mysuru during a protest against the state government over the alleged MUDA case irregularities.

Vijayendra and the BJP are adamant about a CBI probe into the allegations. "An impartial investigation is necessary. A state-led SIT investigation is unacceptable. The BJP demands CM Siddaramiah's immediate resignation and a CBI-led inquiry," Vijayendra asserted.

"The CM's involvement in this scam necessitates his resignation. The breadth of this corruption exceeds Rs 5,000 crores, implicating not only the CM's family but also several ministers and their relatives. As the state's Chief Minister, he owes an explanation to the people of Karnataka. We insist that this case be handed over to the CBI," he added. The Karnataka government's decision to detain protestors in Mysuru faced severe criticism from the BJP.

"CM Siddaramaiah claims to uphold the Constitution. By using police to block BJP leaders protesting against government corruption, are you not displaying a dictatorial approach? In the democracy advocated by their leader Rahul Gandhi, don't opposition parties have the right to challenge the government? Is questioning the government a crime in their definition of democracy? Is using police to thwart opposition protests in Mysuru indicative of an undeclared emergency in Karnataka? If their conscience is clear and they are as honest as they proclaim, hand over the MUDA scam investigation to the CBI," said opposition leader R Ashoka. CM Siddaramaiah has denied any scam allegations, stating that the land allotment under MUDA was executed during the BJP government in 2021.