Transfer Waqf Scam Case to CBI: Karnataka BJP Chief Challenges CM Siddaramaiah

Belagavi (Karnataka), Dec 16 (NationPress) Karnataka BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra challenged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday to transfer the Waqf scam to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

“Including the allegation against me of offering Rs 150 crore to the former Minority Commission Chairman to silence the Waqf scam, the encroachments of Waqf properties by Congress leaders should be handed over to the CBI,” he asserted.

Vijayendra was addressing the Legislative Assembly, responding to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Minister for RDPR, IT, and BT Priyank Kharge, who alleged that he had offered a Rs 150 crore bribe to former Minority Commission Chairman Anwar Manipaddy to suppress the Waqf scam.

“Minister Priyank Kharge made a grave accusation against me, and later, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reiterated the claim that I had offered Rs 150 crore to the former Minority Commission Chairman. Anwar Manipaddy, during the BJP government's tenure, had submitted a report on the misappropriation of Waqf properties by Congress leaders,” he explained.

He further elaborated, “At that time, then Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar ordered an investigation by the Upalokayukta Justice. Upalokayukta Justice Anand submitted a report on this matter in March 2016. During Siddaramaiah's term as CM in 2016, the government decided to present the report to the cabinet. However, the cabinet ultimately rejected the report in 2016.”

“Today, CM Siddaramaiah is calling for a CBI investigation against me over the Waqf scam. It is commendable that he now has faith in the CBI. I challenge him to submit the charges against me to the CBI. Additionally, the reports by former Minority Commission Chairman Anwar Manipaddy and the Upalokayukta should be discussed in the session and handed over to the CBI,” Vijayendra urged.

“I do not hold any resentment or anger towards Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for making allegations against me. I feel pity for him, as he is entangled in a series of scams and his family members are also facing charges. He cannot engage in hit-and-run tactics. Let him also transfer the Mysuru Development Authority (MUDA) scam to the CBI,” he emphasized.

Minister for Revenue Krishna Byre Gowda and others raised objections at this point and insisted that Vijayendra could only provide clarifications and not engage in political rhetoric. If he is allowed, they should also be given the opportunity to respond to allegations. BJP members also rose and strongly objected to this.

Speaker U.T. Khader intervened and noted that members of the British High Commission are observing the proceedings from the visitors’ gallery, and members should not create a negative impression.

Minister Priyank Kharge asserted that a democratic system exists in Britain as well, and proceedings will occur similarly. He also clarified that his accusations were based on media reports and were not his personal allegations.

Earlier, at the start of the session, Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka demanded that Vijayendra be allowed to respond to the allegations made by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Minister Priyank Kharge before moving on to discussions concerning North Karnataka issues. He also stated that such issues cannot be raised without prior notice.

On Saturday, CM Siddaramaiah alleged that BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra had “attempted to bribe” the former Minority Commission Chairman with Rs 150 crore during the previous government to conceal a probe into Waqf property encroachments.

However, on Sunday, former Minority Commission Chairman Anwar Manipaddy denied the bribery accusation made by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, stating that Congress leaders had offered him bribes to suppress the Waqf encroachment report.

Anwar Manipaddy further mentioned that if Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had a genuine concern for Muslims, he should submit his report on Waqf encroachments to the CBI.

Vijayendra dismissed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's bribery allegations as “groundless.”

In response to the accusations, Vijayendra questioned, “You (CM Siddaramaiah), who is fearful of CBI and ED investigations, have challenged the Governor’s approval for prosecution and attempted in vain to safeguard yourself legally by hiring senior lawyers from New Delhi. After experiencing humiliation due to the High Court's ruling, what moral authority do you possess to call for a CBI investigation against others?”