Is the Karnataka BJP Right to Remind CM Siddaramaiah About Corruption?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- MUDA scam involves illegal allotment of sites.
- CM Siddaramaiah criticized for his past actions.
- Political integrity remains a contentious issue in Karnataka.
- R. Ashoka’s remarks illustrate the rivalry between BJP and Congress.
- Corruption allegations continue to shape public discourse.
Bengaluru, May 28 (NationPress) The Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party has criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for his assertion that the BJP is corrupt, reminding him of the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam, wherein his family returned 14 illegally allotted sites.
During an event on Tuesday, CM Siddaramaiah claimed, “the most corrupt individuals on this planet are these BJP leaders,” further stating that corruption had not intensified in the state until the BJP took charge.
Leader of Opposition (LoP) R. Ashoka, while addressing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah as a “noble soul,” remarked, “The ‘noble soul’ who once dedicated his life to opposing the Congress party—known as the father of corruption—has now joined the same group for power. It’s the greatest irony of this century that he speaks about corruption.”
“This ‘noble soul’ returned 14 illegally acquired sites valued at crores following his involvement in the MUDA scam, and yet continues to hold office despite acknowledging in the Assembly that hundreds of crores were misappropriated in the Maharshi Valmiki Development Corporation. Now, he speaks about corruption,” Ashoka scoffed.
“Mr. CM Siddaramaiah, it’s not just us claiming that Karnataka has become number one in corruption under your administration—it’s your own senior party MLA and financial advisor, Basavaraj Rayareddy, who provided you that insight. Do you require a mirror to recognize a boil on your own palm?” Ashoka questioned.
Ashoka further probed, “Why didn’t you include the honorable Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, who was a six-time MLA in 2013, in your cabinet during your initial term as Chief Minister? Was it due to the perception of D.K. Shivakumar as corrupt?”
“Please provide clarification,” Ashoka implored Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
CM Siddaramaiah made these remarks while discussing the contributions of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, accusing the BJP of attempting to diminish his legacy. “The BJP members are the most corrupt people on earth. If anyone is to be considered corrupt, it is the BJP and RSS members. They are responsible for the escalation of corruption in the country. Before the BJP took power, corruption was not prevalent in our state,” the CM stated.