BJP Demands CM Siddaramaiah's Resignation Over MUDA Scam

Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra on Thursday demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over an alleged scam at the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA). Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, Vijayendra stated," We met Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot and requested him for a CBI inquiry into the MUDA scam. We also sought the resignation of CM Siddaramaiah. He is bound to resign.”

The BJP-JDS delegation included Karnataka BJP chief BY Vijayendra, R Ashoka, Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, and JD(S) MLA CB Suresh Babu. Their call for Siddaramaiah's resignation comes amid allegations of irregularities in the Valmiki Development Corporation as well. Vijayendra criticized the Siddaramaiah government, highlighting the High Court's recent decision to stay the FIR against ED officials involved in the Valmiki scam as a significant setback for the ruling party." ED is investigating the Valmiki scam but Congress protested about it. But the court stayed the FIR. It is a slap to this government. The ruling party is now scared" Vijayendra said.

The Valmiki scam involves the alleged illegal transfer of funds from the Maharshi Valmiki ST Corporation, which is responsible for implementing welfare programs for scheduled tribe members. Earlier this month, the ED arrested former Karnataka Minister B Nagendra in connection with the scam.

On Thursday, MLAs from the BJP and JD(S) staged a night-long protest inside the Karnataka Vidhan Soudha, sleeping inside the assembly after their demand for a discussion on the MUDA scam was not allowed by the Speaker. The BJP MLAs entered the well of the House, insisting on a thorough investigation into the scam.

In addition to the Valmiki scam, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah faces allegations of forgery and land misappropriation linked to the Mysore Urban Development Authority. A complaint filed by social activist Snehamayi Krishna accuses Siddaramaiah and nine others, including his wife Parvathy and brother-in-law Malikarjuna Swamy Devaraj, of forging documents to claim compensation from MUDA. The complaint alleges that MUDA created fake documents and obtained plots worth crores of rupees.

"The BJP demands that the land given to the CM's family should be returned" Vijayendra declared. The opposition has accused Siddaramaiah of usurping lands belonging to the Dalit community, adding to the mounting pressure on the Chief Minister.

As the political turmoil unfolds, the BJP continues to push for accountability and transparency in the MUDA and Valmiki Corporation cases, challenging the Siddaramaiah Government's integrity and governance. The matter remains a focal point of political debate in Karnataka, with further developments expected as investigations progress.

Author: Anushka Taraniya
News Writer