Is the Karnataka BJP Correct in Claiming Manipulation in Justice Desai's Report?

Bengaluru, Sep 5 (NationPress) Following the release of a report by a one-man judicial commission led by P.N. Desai that absolved Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his family from involvement in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case, the BJP has leveled serious allegations of manipulation against the findings.

During a press conference at the BJP's office in Bengaluru, N. Ravikumar, the Chief Whip of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, claimed, “The findings of Justice Desai’s commission have been deliberately altered to shield CM Siddaramaiah from the MUDA scandal and grant him a clean chit.”

“The reality is that CM Siddaramaiah is unequivocally guilty in the MUDA case. Didn’t he himself state that if Rs 60 crore is paid, sites would be returned? Later, he reneged on that promise, and we are all aware of it,” Ravikumar asserted.

Ravikumar further accused, “In the MUDA issue, Siddaramaiah is entirely culpable. There has been extensive cover-up regarding the clean chit. I am uncertain how this has been orchestrated, but it has occurred. Siddaramaiah’s administration is the most corrupt.”

On the topic of land acquisition for industrial projects, Ravikumar stated, “The BJP opposes the forcible acquisition of land in the name of industrial development while disregarding farmers’ concerns. Land must only be acquired after persuading the farmers and obtaining their consent. Otherwise, we will also initiate a protest in support of the farmers.”

He added, “We are not against providing land for industries; we recognize their necessity. However, we oppose the manner in which the government is acquiring land.”

Commenting on the decision to use ballot papers instead of EVMs for local body elections, he remarked, “By opting to eliminate Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and revert to ballot papers, the Congress-led government is dragging the state back to a bygone era.”

“Using ballot papers will extend the counting process to 2-3 days. Just because the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has suggested this, the BJP will not endorse the replacement of EVMs with ballot papers,” he emphasized.

Ravikumar further remarked, “We will bring this matter to the public’s attention. Didn’t your Congress government come to power in Telangana and Himachal Pradesh using these very EVMs?”

“The government has resolved to discard EVMs and conduct elections with ballot papers in Karnataka, despite your government having gained power through EVMs. CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar’s Congress party won 136 MLA seats, as well as MLC and MP elections. The Supreme Court has issued multiple judgments affirming that no illegality occurs through EVMs. Even High Court rulings support this,” he pointed out.