Waqf Controversy: Karnataka BJP Chief Vijayendra Refutes Siddaramaiah's Allegations of Bribery

Bengaluru, Dec 14 (NationPress) Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra on Saturday rejected Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's bribery claims against him regarding the Waqf scandal as "groundless".

Earlier today, CM Siddaramaiah, in a press statement, called for a CBI investigation into Vijayendra for allegedly attempting to suppress the Waqf scam report by offering Rs 150 crore to former Minority Commission Chairman and BJP leader Anwar Mannippady.

In response to these accusations, Vijayendra questioned, "You (CM Siddaramaiah), who are fearful of CBI and ED inquiries, have challenged the Governor's authorization for prosecution and unsuccessfully tried to shield yourself legally by enlisting senior lawyers from New Delhi. After enduring disgrace from the High Court's ruling, what moral authority do you possess to demand a CBI investigation against others?"

"Corruption allegations, including the Maharshi Valmiki Development Corporation scandal and the MUDA scam, are tightly woven around you and your administration. In a bid to evade these scandals, you are abusing the power of the Chief Minister’s office to secure a clean slate through Lokayukta investigations managed by your subordinate officials," he charged.

"Currently, to obstruct the High Court from mandating a CBI investigation, you are irresponsibly utilizing taxpayers' funds to hire constitutional experts from Delhi to present your case. No amount of chemical can cleanse the stains of corruption from your record, and out of this frustration, you are clutching at unfounded issues, believing them to be a 'Brahmastra' (ultimate weapon)," Vijayendra asserted.

"Your efforts can only lead to a smear campaign against me, but you will gain nothing more. Evidence continues to surface against you daily, damaging your reputation. Your stubbornness has already branded you in history as the only Chief Minister who has tarnished the dignity of the Karnataka CM's office," Vijayendra declared.

The Anwar Mannippady report on the Waqf scandal pertains to Congress leaders who encroached upon Waqf properties, not BJP leaders. "Do you lack even the basic understanding to recognize that no one would offer Rs 150 crore in bribes over claims against Congress?" Vijayendra questioned.

"The unfounded claims that you and your cabinet minister Priyank Kharge are celebrating demonstrate your immaturity rather than political wisdom," he maintained.

"If you possess the courage, allow the CBI investigation into the MUDA scam petition pending in the High Court without any objections. Let's see what transpires," Vijayendra challenged.

“In light of your government's attempts to appropriate farmers' lands and Hindu religious sites under the pretext of Waqf properties, the harsh police lathi-charge on Panchamasali reservation protestors, the series of infant fatalities, and the growing MUDA scam, it is evident that you are using these trivial, fabricated issues as a diversion,” he claimed.

This illustrates the decline of your political acumen and an attempt to divert the attention of the state's populace," Vijayendra stated.