Lagatar24 Desk
Bengaluru: Facing severe criticism and calls to resign over the Mysuru land scam, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah hit back at Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Friday, questioning why the BJP had not demanded his resignation despite an FIR against him. The Janata Dal Secular (JDS) leader is facing allegations of providing false information before the Lok Sabha elections.
“Which government does HD Kumaraswamy belong to? There is an FIR… why did he not resign? He is a minister in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet,” Siddaramaiah said, pointing to the Union Heavy Industries Minister’sinvolvement in a police case.
Political Tensions Escalate
Kumaraswamy quickly responded on X, mocking the Karnataka CM and accusing him of sidelining the Lokayukta to avoid a CBI investigation into the land scam allegations. He pointed to Siddaramaiah’s earlier attempt to form an Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), which was later struck down by the High Court.
The verbal clash highlights the growing pressure on Siddaramaiah, with calls for his resignation coming from the BJP, the JDS, and even factions within his own Congress party. Despite the mounting tension, Siddaramaiah remains defiant.
Defiant Amid Court Orders
The Bombay High Court recently ordered an inquiry into the MUDA land scam, directing the Lokayukta to complete investigations within three months. Siddaramaiah, whose wife Parvathi is alleged to have been allocated multiple plots in an upscale Mysuru area, has firmly denied any wrongdoing, claiming a clean political career spanning four decades.
“I will fight. I am not afraid of anything. We are ready to face the investigation. I will fight this legally,” Siddaramaiah said on Thursday after the High Court rejected his challenge to the Governor’s sanction for prosecution.
MUDA Land Scam Allegations
The Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam revolves around claims that land acquired for infrastructure projects was exchanged in a deal that caused losses of ₹4,000 crore to the state. The scandal has become a significant issue for Siddaramaiah’s government, with opposition parties pushing for a CBI investigation.
However, the Karnataka government has withdrawn its general consent for the CBI to operate in the state, which many view as a defensive measure in the face of growing demands for a federal probe.
“No CBI Involvement”
Siddaramaiah has dismissed calls for a CBI investigation, insisting that the matter will be handled by the Mysuru branch of the state Lokayukta. His government’s withdrawal of CBI consent is seen as a step to control the investigation process, a move that has sparked further political debate.
Law Minister HK Patil defended the decision, arguing that the CBI has shown bias and that the state has legitimate concerns about the agency’s misuse.
