HD Kumaraswamy criticizes Siddaramaiah on MUDA scam, says CM unaware of crime's gravity
Mandya: Union Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) State President HD Kumaraswamy has launched a scathing attack on Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, accusing him of being in denial about the severity of the allegations against him in the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) ‘scam’.
Speaking to reporters in Mandya on Monday, Kumaraswamy questioned Siddaramaiah's attempts to clear his name, stating that the CM is under a misconception regarding the gravity of his actions. The controversy centers around allegations that Siddaramaiah was illegally allotted a site by MUDA officials. The Chief Minister has defended himself by claiming that the site was granted to his wife, Parvathi, as compensation for another plot she owned that was acquired by the government.
Kumaraswamy, however, challenged Siddaramaiah's explanation, questioning whether the site originally belonged to his wife or his brother-in-law. He further alleged that the Chief Minister produced a fraudulent document to secure the site, resulting in a financial loss to the state, estimated at Rs 67 crore.
In his remarks, Kumaraswamy also addressed the ongoing political rivalry between himself and Siddaramaiah, stating that he was prepared to confront the Chief Minister head-on, asserting his innocence. He dismissed accusations related to the illegal mining case against him, pointing out that the case had been resolved years ago, and he had been cleared of any wrongdoing. Kumaraswamy accused Congress leaders of continuing to harp on the mining case purely for political advantage.
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Karnataka bypolls: Over 60 per cent voter turnout in Bagalkot, Davanagere South till 5 pm
Bengaluru (PTI): Over 60 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 5 pm in both Assembly constituencies in Karnataka, where bypolls were held on Thursday.
While the turnout in Bagalkot was 65.68 per cent, it was 63.04 per cent in Davanagere South.
While the ruling Congress faces the challenge of retaining both seats, the BJP aims to wrest them and deliver a setback to its rival, which is currently witnessing an "internal power struggle" over leadership.
The bypolls were necessitated due to the demise of senior Congress MLAs H Y Meti (Bagalkot) and Shamanur Shivashankarappa (Davanagere South).
A total of over 2.59 lakh eligible voters are expected to cast their votes at around 319 polling stations in Bagalkot, where nine candidates are in the fray.
In Davanagere South, over 2.31 lakh eligible voters are expected to vote across 284 polling stations, with 25 candidates contesting.
The BJP has fielded former MLA and 2023 defeated candidate Veerabhadrayya Charantimath from Bagalkot, and a fresh face, Srinivas T Dasakariyappa, from Davanagere South.
The Congress has given tickets to family members of the late legislators in both constituencies. Bagalkot candidate Umesh Meti is the son of H Y Meti, while Samarth Mallikarjun from Davanagere South is the grandson of Shamanur Shivashankarappa.
