Karnataka BJP Chief Highlights Siddaramaiah's Frustration as ED Unveils MUDA Irregularities

Kalaburagi, Dec 5 (NationPress) Karnataka BJP President B. Y. Vijayendra stated on Thursday that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's frustration regarding the Enforcement Directorate was apparent, as the agency was revealing the irregularities in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam case.

His comments followed Siddaramaiah's criticism of the ED for supposedly influencing the judiciary.

The Chief Minister remarked: "The ED lacks the authority to investigate this case."

Speaking to the press in Kalaburagi, Vijayendra noted that the CM appoints officials of his preference to investigative bodies and attempts to present himself as honest, while his brother-in-law Mallikarjuna Swamy, who is the third accused in the MUDA case, visits Lokayukta offices during late hours.

In response to the ED's communication to the Karnataka Lokayukta, which mentioned that its investigation had revealed illicit activities related to site allotments, including 14 sites allocated to his family, CM Siddaramaiah and fellow Congress leaders questioned the ED's authority.

Vijayendra stated: "The Chief Minister, who initially professed innocence, sought compensation of Rs 62 crore, yet later returned the land without demanding compensation."

Regarding the Congress' Jana Kalyana convention in Hassan, he described the event as a show of strength orchestrated by Siddaramaiah.

On the Waqf matter, the BJP leader mentioned that the Waqf Board has been issuing notices to farmers; an entire village, Chatnalli, in the Kalaburagi area has received notices, raising significant concern.

He criticized the government for disbursing guarantee funds to accounts just three days prior to the Lok Sabha elections, only to neglect them afterward, with a revival of guarantees occurring during the Assembly by-elections.

Vijayendra accused the Congress of treating guarantees in a manner that disrespects and humiliates the impoverished.

In response to inquiries regarding the Congress rally, Vijayendra questioned, "Who is discussing the 'Yuva Nidhi' scheme?" He pointed out the inadequacy of government buses for schoolchildren in areas like Shikaripura in Shivamogga district.

Referring to the Janakalyana event in Hassan, he challenged the government's commitment to the state's development and the lack of new initiatives.

Vijayendra highlighted that 2-3 lakh acres of tur dal crops in the area have been devastated, advocating for compensation of Rs 25,000 - Rs 30,000 per acre as demanded by the local populace.

He also condemned the law-and-order situation in the region, alleging that even murders are being concealed.