Waqf issue: BJP demands CBI inquiry into minister's bribery charge against BY Vijayendra
Belagavi (Karnataka), Dec 16: The BJP on Monday demanded a CBI inquiry into the allegations made by Minister Priyank Kharge of Rs 150 crore "bribe" offer by party chief B Y Vijayendra to former Minority Commission chairperson Anwar Manippadi.
As the Assembly proceedings started, the BJP members raised objections over Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Kharge's accusation in the House last Thursday.
Kharge had alleged that Vijayendra, who is also the Shikaripura BJP MLA, offered Rs 150 crore to Manippadi, a BJP member, not to raise the Waqf land issue.
As Karnataka Minority Commission Chairperson during the previous BJP government in the state, Manippadi had submitted a detailed report on the encroachment of Waqf land in the state and the involvement of bigwigs in it.
ALSO READ: There is video showing ex-Minority Panel chief accusing Vijayendra of trying to 'bribe' him: CM
"The minister had made an allegation in the House in my absence, which was uncalled for. The same was repeated by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. This was a baseless allegation," Vijayendra said.
He challenged the chief minister to order a CBI inquiry into the alleged Rs 150 crore offer.
Vijayendra also demanded that the minister should apologise for his statement.
The Leader of the Opposition, R Ashoka, said Kharge made the allegation without giving any prior notice.
In reply, Kharge said his statement is based on Manippadi's interview a few years ago and the media reports.
The issue saw heated arguments by both the BJP and Congress legislators.
Vijayendra had earlier rejected the charge, saying why he would pay bribes to protect Congress leaders involved in Waqf land encroachment.
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Padma Shri awardee Baiga tribal artist Jodhaiya Bai passes away
Bhopal, Dec 16: Madhya Pradesh's famous Baiga tribal artist Jodhaiya Bai, a Padma Shri recipient, died in Umaria district after a prolonged illness, sources said on Monday.
She was 86.
The painter, who was instrumental in getting international recognition to the Baiga tribal art, passed away at her native Lodha village in Umaria district on Sunday, the sources said.
Jodhaiya Bai received Padma Shri, the country's fourth highest civilian award, in 2023 for her special contribution in the field of arts.
Her last rites were held at the Lodha village on Monday in the presence of district collector Dharnendra Kumar Jain, Superintendent of Police Nivedita Naidu, other officials and political leaders.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed grief over her demise.
"Along with Madhya Pradesh, the country also lost an artist who spent her entire life to provide recognition to paintings based on the tribal culture, art and traditions in the country and abroad," Yadav said in a post on X.
VIDEO | Madhya Pradesh: Mortal remains of Padma Shri Awardee Jodhaiya Bai Baiga, who was renowned for her tribal art, being taken from her residence in Umaria for final rites. She passed away on Sunday.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 16, 2024
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/hyKRkUk3II
