Governor’s order gives justice to BJP fight against MUDA scam, says Karnataka Assembly LOP R Ashoka
Bengaluru: Leader of Opposition (LOP) in the Karnataka Assembly R Ashoka called the Saturday morning order by Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot’s permitting the prosecution of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for the CM’s alleged involvement in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam an act of justice for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The Opposition party, with the JD(S), had been protesting against the CM and also undertaken a week-long rally in Mysuru. The ally parties, who are accusing the CM and his wife Parvathi of having been allotted site by MUDA illegally, are demanding that he face interrogation and also resign for the ‘deceit’. Their ‘padayatra’ in Mysuru, however, failed to attract a large number of people and was considered by analysts as a failure.
Addressing reporters in the city on Saturday morning, Ashoka clarified that the BJP was fighting against corruption and not a person. Unveiling the truth is the primary focus of the party, he said. As more than 86,000 people have applied for sites under the MUDA, the BJP is also demanding prevention of any delay in the investigation into this case, he added.
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The LOP said that CM Siddaramaiah had failed to give a clear, acceptable explanation on MUDA granting him the sites. Instead of handling the facing the investigation of a major scam like this, he is attempting to escape facing the law, which has only intensified the suspicion regarding his involvement in the case, Ashoka added.
The BJP senior leader opined that opposition by Congress leaders to the Governor’s order would yield no results in Siddaramaiah’s favour. He urged the CM to resign from his post, submit himself to a CBI investigation and return all the sites he was allotted by MUDA to prevent further clash and ensure justice to people who were deprived of land.
He recollected former CM BS Yediyurappa facing a similar order issued by then Governor. Ashoka asked sharply if the Congress members would agree if the BJP accused the former Governor of having done so on being asked by then Congress leaders. Further, stating that Yediyurappa had respected the order of the Governor and had resigned from the post of CM to face investigation, Ashoka asked Siddaramaiah too to do so. A protest against the Governor would be an insult to the Constitution, he stated.
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Karnataka offers extensive incentives in its proposed IT policy
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka has proposed a new Information Technology Policy for 2025–2030, offering extensive financial and non-financial incentives aimed at accelerating investments, strengthening innovation and expanding the state's tech footprint beyond Bengaluru.
The Karnataka Cabinet gave its nod to the policy 2025–2030 with an outlay of Rs 445.50 crore on Thursday after the Finance Department accorded its approval.
The policy introduces 16 incentives across five enabler categories, nine of which are entirely new, with a distinctive push to support companies setting up or expanding in emerging cities.
Alongside financial support, the government is also offering labour-law relaxations, round-the-clock operational permissions and industry-ready human capital programmes to make Karnataka a globally competitive 'AI-native' destination.
According to the policy, units located outside Bengaluru will gain access to a wide suite of benefits, including research and development and IP creation incentives, internship reimbursements, talent relocation support and recruitment assistance.
The benefits also include EPF reimbursement, faculty development support, rental assistance, certification subsidies, electricity tariff rebates, property tax reimbursement, telecom infrastructure support, and assistance for events and conferences.
Bengaluru Urban will receive a focused set of six research and development and talent-oriented incentives, while Indian Global Capability Centres (GCCs) operating in the state will be brought under the incentive net.
Incentive caps and eligibility thresholds have been raised, and the policy prioritises growth-focused investments for both new and expanding units.
Beyond incentives, the government focuses on infrastructure and innovation interventions.
A flagship proposal in the policy is the creation of Techniverse -- integrated, technology-enabled enclaves developed through a public-private partnership model inside future Global Innovation Districts.
These campuses will offer plug-and-play facilities, artificial intelligence and machine learning and cybersecurity labs, advanced testbeds, experience centres, and disaster-resistant command centres.
There will also be a Statewide Digital Hub Grid and a Global Test Bed Infrastructure Network, linking public and private research and development, and innovation facilities across Karnataka.
The government has proposed a Women Global Tech Missions Fellowship for 1,000 mid-career women technologists, an IT Talent Return Programme to absorb experienced professionals returning from abroad, and broad-based skill and faculty development reimbursements.
Shared corporate transport routes in Bengaluru and tier-two cities will be designed with Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation and other transport entities to support worker mobility.
The government said the policy is the outcome of an extensive research and consultation process involving TCS, Infosys, Wipro, IBM, HCL, Tech Mahindra, Cognizant, HP, Google, Accenture and NASSCOM, along with sector experts and stakeholder groups.
It estimates an outlay of Rs 967.12 crore over five years, comprising Rs 754.62 crore for incentives and Rs 212.50 crore for interventions such as Techniverse campuses, digital grid development, global outreach missions and talent programmes.
