Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar criticized the BJP on Friday, asserting that the party seeks to damage the reputation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah by initiating a padayatra in protest against alleged MUDA irregularities.
Speaking at a press conference in Bengaluru, Shivakumar labeled the BJP as the “master of scams” and stated, “They are digging their own grave in this case. Karnataka, being the largest state under Congress governance, is their target as they attempt to destabilize our leadership. Their aim is to discredit the Chief Minister. We will respond appropriately to their actions.”
He highlighted that the state government is actively investigating a multi-crore scam involving the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation Ltd. “The BJP is trying to interfere by dispatching its agencies to cause unnecessary disturbances. They should focus on legal battles instead of pursuing publicity stunts,” he added.
Shivakumar pointed out that the BJP and JD(S) have united for the padayatra due to their waning influence in the state. “We are prepared to expose their motives,” he asserted.
The Deputy Chief Minister further defended the Chief Minister regarding the site allotments made by MUDA, explaining that they were compensation for land acquired without proper notification. “The bylaws permit site allotments under such circumstances. The Chief Minister’s family did not seek land in specific areas but accepted what was allotted by MUDA, consistent with previous government practices. The Minister in charge will provide further details,” he noted.
Shivakumar pledged to unveil a different scam each day during the BJP-JD(S) padayatra from Bengaluru to Mysuru, stating, “The Chief Minister has already outlined several scams linked to the BJP. This padayatra presents us with a unique opportunity to highlight their transgressions.”
