BJP Leaders Protest Against Alleged Corruption in Karnataka, Taken into Preventive Custody

In a significant political development, leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) staged a protest march towards the residence of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday, accusing the ruling Congress government of widespread corruption. The protest, however, was halted by heavy police deployment, and the BJP leaders were taken into preventive custody.

Historical Context

Karnataka has a history of political turbulence and corruption allegations, often leading to public protests and demands for investigations. The state has seen multiple instances where opposition parties have accused the ruling government of corruption, leading to political standoffs and judicial inquiries. This protest is part of a broader pattern of political accountability and public scrutiny in Karnataka’s governance.

Details of the Protest

The protest was led by prominent BJP figures, including state president B Y Vijayendra, Leader of Opposition R Ashoka, and former ministers S Sunil Kumar, Araga Jnanendra, S Suresh Kumar, C N Ashwath Narayan, and C T Ravi. They were joined by several MLAs and a large number of party workers.

Allegations and Demands

The BJP has leveled serious allegations against the Congress government, claiming a ₹4,000 crore scam involving alternative site allocations by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA). One of the alleged beneficiaries is Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s wife, Parvathi. Additionally, the BJP has accused the government of covering up a ₹180 crore scam in the Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation, which allegedly led to the suicide of an accounts superintendent, P Chandrasekharan.

BJP leaders demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the MUDA scam and called for the Chief Minister’s resignation. Vijayendra stated that the MUDA scam is more significant than the Valmiki Corporation scam, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation.

Government’s Response

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah dismissed the allegations as baseless and rejected the demand for a CBI probe. He stated that an inquiry has already been ordered and criticized the BJP for not handing over any cases to the CBI during its tenure. Siddaramaiah clarified that the alternative sites were allotted under a scheme introduced by the previous BJP government and that all such allotments have been suspended pending investigation.

Summary

• Protest: BJP leaders staged a protest march towards Karnataka CM’s residence, alleging corruption.
• Preventive Custody: Leaders were taken into preventive custody by the police.
• Allegations: BJP accused the Congress government of a ₹4,000 crore MUDA scam and a ₹180 crore Valmiki Corporation scam.
• Demands: BJP demanded a CBI probe and the resignation of the Chief Minister.
• Government’s Response: CM Siddaramaiah dismissed the allegations, ordered an inquiry, and suspended all alternative site allotments.

This incident underscores the ongoing political friction and the demand for accountability in Karnataka’s governance.