Bengaluru (Karnataka ) [India], November 5 : Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah slammed the BJP and JD(S) alliance during a program on Tuesday, where he discussed family politics while defending the Congress party's choice of candidates, including Yasir Khan Pathan for the Shigaon ticket.
He said, "Our Congress High Command has given the Shigaon ticket to Yasir Khan Pathan," then went on to criticize Prime Minister Modi for talking about family politics.
"In Shiggaon, Basavaraj Bommai's son Bharat Bommai has been given a ticket", the Karnataka CM added
"I am not against family politics. People should see who they vote for in elections," he said while also pointing out that HD Kumaraswamy would not have become Chief Minister without BS Yeddyurappa's support. However, at the last minute, "HD Kumaraswamy went against Yeddyurappa and did not give up the post of CM."
He also commented on the alliance between HD Deve Gowda and PM Modi, stating, "Now HD Deve Gowda and PM Modi are Bhai Bhai. The BJP-JDS party is trying to remove me from the post of CM."
Earlier in the day, the Karnataka High Court issued notices to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and others on a petition seeking the transfer of the investigation into the MUDA land allotment case registered against the Chief Minister, his wife, and others. In a petition filed by Snehamayi Krishna, the court also issued notices to the Central and State governments, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and the Lokayukta police. The High Court directed the Lokayukta police to submit details of the probe conducted until November 25 while adjourning further hearings on the petition until November 26.
The Mysuru Lokayukta officially initiated an inquiry into the case following a September 27 court order to file an FIR. The Lokayukta was directed to investigate allegations of illegalities in the allotment of 14 sites worth Rs 56 crore to Siddaramaiah's wife, Parvathi. It is alleged that MUDA illegally allotted 14 sites to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's wife in a prime location in Mysuru city.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated on Monday that he has been summoned by the Mysuru Lokayukta regarding the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA). When asked by the media, CM Siddaramaiah confirmed, "Yes, the Mysuru Lokayukta has issued a notice regarding MUDA. I will go to the Mysuru Lokayukta on November 6."
Recently, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at more than half a dozen locations in Mangalore, Bengaluru, Mandya, and Mysuru in connection with the MUDA-linked alleged money laundering case. This move came within a week of the agency summoning six employees associated with the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) for questioning. The employees were summoned in connection with the high-profile alleged scam on different dates for interrogation, which will take place at the ED's zonal office in Bengaluru. The ED has also filed a money laundering case against Siddaramaiah and others. The case was prompted by a First Information Report (FIR) from the state Lokayukta concerning the MUDA, placing the Congress leader in a difficult situation.
Siddaramaiah has consistently denied the allegations, claiming that he is facing political persecution. He has stated that he will not resign, backed by his party leaders, despite ongoing demands from the BJP for him to leave his position as head of the government. As the allegations surfaced, the BJP has accused the Congress of supporting "corrupt" leaders and demanded Siddaramaiah's resignation. However, Siddaramaiah has quashed all demands for his resignation.