Bengaluru, Dec 5 (NationPress) - The BJP fiercely criticized Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday, labeling him as “shameless”. This remark came after Siddaramaiah claimed that the BJP had exposed its own shortcomings by demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry based on the Upalokayukta's assertion of ‘63 percent corruption’.

The political clash intensified after Siddaramaiah cited a report from November 2019, in which Upalokayukta Justice B. Veerappa indicated that 63 percent corruption was prevalent in the state.

“Recently, Justice B. Veerappa referred to that same report. At that time, the state was governed by the BJP under Yediyurappa. Yet, senior BJP leader R. Ashoka misinterpreted the Upalokayukta’s comments, attempting to shift blame onto us and consequently revealing his own failings,” he stated.

In a strong retort, Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka directly questioned the Chief Minister's leadership. “CM Siddaramaiah, being called foolish in politics is one thing; in public life, especially from the Chief Minister’s seat, being shameless is unacceptable,” Ashoka remarked in a statement.

“You acknowledged a Rs 87 crore scam in the Valmiki Tribal Welfare Development Corporation on the floor of the House. When a Chief Minister admits to such a significant irregularity in the Assembly, the expectation is immediate accountability,” he added.

Ashoka further criticized Siddaramaiah for not taking responsibility, suggesting that his continued tenure without addressing these issues reflected sheer shamelessness.

He pointed out that even senior Congress leaders have labeled Karnataka as No. 1 in corruption under the Congress regime, yet Siddaramaiah remains unmoved in his position.

Ashoka also highlighted allegations from Congress MLA B.R. Patil regarding a “money for house” scheme in the housing department and the lack of inquiry into such serious claims.

He further condemned Siddaramaiah's previous accusations against the BJP regarding “40 percent commission”, stating that the commission he appointed had dismissed his claims as baseless.

He asserted that Karnataka had been engulfed in corruption and scandals for the last two and a half years.

“If I were to list every case under your administration, even 24 hours wouldn’t suffice,” Ashoka remarked.

He described the “most tragic aspect” of the government’s operation as the pressure faced by officials and contractors, referencing the suicide of Chandrasekaran, linked to the Valmiki Tribal Welfare Development Corporation case, as indicative of a deeply broken system.

“Your government has attempted to suppress every complaint and silence dissenting voices. In just 30 months, your administration has shattered all records for corruption allegations. Let’s be clear: being foolish can be forgiven, but being shameless in public life is not,” he concluded.

Ashoka argued that when his own ministers acknowledge scams, advisors recognize Karnataka’s corruption status, and MLAs reveal rackets, a Chief Minister who remains in office without accountability cannot claim to show true leadership.

Justice B. Veerappa’s recent assertions about corruption in Karnataka have ignited a political storm, putting the Congress government on the defensive.

At a recent book launch, the Upalokayukta stated that while Kerala experiences around 10 percent corruption, Karnataka is at 63 percent. “I have witnessed this myself since assuming the role of Upalokayukta,” he remarked.

He emphasized that corruption is pervasive across all departments in Karnataka and that the state ranks fifth nationally for corruption. “If this issue is not addressed promptly, it will jeopardize the future,” he warned.