Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has sharply challenged former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa’s call for his resignation over the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam. Yediyurappa, now a BJP leader, had demanded that Siddaramaiah step down by August 10 on moral grounds, citing allegations that MUDA allocated land to Siddaramaiah’s wife. Siddaramaiah, however, responded with a strong rebuke, questioning Yediyurappa’s own moral authority given his involvement in a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) case.
Siddaramaiah, addressing a public rally, pointedly remarked, “If Yediyurappa has any self-respect, he must retire from politics. He is 82 and an accused in a POCSO case. What moral authority does he have to seek my resignation? He was accused in 15 to 20 scams when he was the Chief Minister; is he not ashamed to ask for my resignation?”
The controversy surrounding Yediyurappa intensified after he was accused in a POCSO complaint filed by the mother of a teenager on March 14. Despite being charge-sheeted by Bengaluru police on June 27, Yediyurappa sought protection from arrest through the Karnataka High Court, which granted him relief due to his status as a senior politician.
Political Tensions Escalate
The relationship between Siddaramaiah and Yediyurappa, which was once relatively cordial, has soured significantly. The POCSO case, which had previously been avoided in political discourse out of respect for the senior BJP leader, has now become a focal point of attack. The Congress party, led by Siddaramaiah, has seized upon this issue to counter the BJP’s criticisms.
In response to a week-long padayatra by BJP and JD(S) leaders demanding his resignation, Siddaramaiah has been actively involved in Janandolana meetings and public rallies along the Bengaluru-Mysuru highway. He firmly stated, “I am not going to buckle under the pressure of casteist and corrupt leaders. Nobody can remove me when I have the support of the people of Karnataka.”
During a rally in Mysuru, Siddaramaiah addressed the allegations against him by highlighting his own personal sacrifices. He recounted how he had given up plans to build two houses during his 40-year political career due to financial constraints, and he now owns only a single house in Mysuru. He vehemently denied any wrongdoing in the alleged allocation of 14 sites in Mysuru’s Vijayanagara area to his wife, Parvathi, as compensation for land supposedly taken illegally by MUDA.
Defending His Integrity
Siddaramaiah’s rebuttal against the BJP’s claims was robust. He refuted accusations that he had used his influence to secure prime property in compensation. According to him, his wife’s entitlement to compensation was legitimate and in line with the law. He also took the opportunity to question the integrity of his opponents, asking, “Have I de-notified land like Yediyurappa?”
The Chief Minister further accused BJP Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka of involvement in a substantial land scam and alleged that B. Y. Vijayendra, Yediyurappa’s son and state BJP president, was implicated in financial misconduct involving shell companies. Siddaramaiah also pointed out the lack of action against other BJP ministers accused of corruption, suggesting a selective approach to accountability.
Congress Counter-Attacks
The Congress party, through Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar, launched a counter-offensive against the BJP and JD(S). Shivakumar showcased old video clips of leaders from both opposition parties disparaging each other, aiming to highlight their hypocrisy and internal conflicts. The clips depicted a history of allegations and accusations exchanged between the BJP and JD(S), underscoring their inability to maintain unity while attacking the ruling Congress.
Shivakumar, standing in solidarity with Siddaramaiah, criticised the opposition’s padayatra as a desperate attempt to cleanse their sins rather than a genuine effort to address corruption. He denounced claims against Siddaramaiah’s wife, asserting, “How can they accuse a woman like Siddaramaiah’s wife?” Shivakumar also attacked Vijayendra, questioning his involvement in illegal financial activities.
Conclusion
The Congress party’s rally in Mysuru was framed as a decisive confrontation between the ruling party and the opposition. Despite the intense scrutiny and allegations from the BJP and JD(S), the Congress remains resolute, with Siddaramaiah and his allies asserting their commitment to public service and defending their political record. The ongoing battle reflects the deep political divides and the fierce competition in Karnataka’s political landscape.