Has BJP Exposed Itself by Misquoting Upalokayukta? Siddaramaiah Responds!
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Siddaramaiah's defense of transparency in governance.
- Historical corruption claims against the BJP during their tenure.
- The impact of Covid on governance and corruption.
- Political tensions in Karnataka as parties clash over corruption allegations.
- Importance of accountability in political leadership.
Bengaluru, Dec 5 (NationPress) In reaction to the Karnataka BJP's call for a CBI investigation into the Congress-led government regarding the Upalokayukta's claim of 63 percent corruption, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has asserted that the BJP has inadvertently revealed its own shortcomings.
Siddaramaiah pointed out that in the November 2019 report, the Hon’ble Upalokayukta B. Veerappa indicated that 63 percent of corruption was present in the state.
“Today, B. Veerappa referred back to that same report. At the time the report was presented, the state was governed by the BJP under Yediyurappa. However, R. Ashoka, without fully grasping the Upalokayukta’s statement, attempted to place the BJP’s misdeeds onto us—ultimately exposing his own party,” he stated.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the corruption scandals during the BJP administration are numerous, noting that even amidst the Covid pandemic, there was rampant looting involving ventilators, masks, sanitizers, and ICU equipment.
“In every sector, a minimum 40 percent commission system was prevalent. Contractors like Santosh Patil from Belagavi, unable to withstand the pressure from former minister Eshwarappa, tragically took their own lives,” he added.
Siddaramaiah pointed out significant irregularities in the Irrigation Department, including the Bhadra Upper Bank Project and the Cauvery Neeravari Nigam, which involved corruption allegations totaling nearly Rs 20,000 crore, directly made by your own party’s MLC H. Vishwanath against B.Y. Vijayendra, your state party president.
He also remarked that in the PSI recruitment scandal, several of your close affiliates ended up incarcerated.
“Have you forgotten all this? If we were to list all the scandals during the BJP’s era, it would fill an entire epic,” he concluded.
“What can be said about R. Ashoka’s folly in trying to attribute B. Veerappa’s statements to our government? Our administration is committed to ensuring complete transparency in all processes, from recruitment to transfers, and is focused on preventing any misuse of funds or authority,” he added.