Karnataka's Political Turmoil: Allegations of MUDA Scam

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has accused the BJP of conspiring against the Congress government by making false allegations over a Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment scam. The BJP, alongside JD(S), plans a march demanding Chief Minister Siddaramaiah resign. Shivakumar denies any wrongdoing and calls it a publicity stunt.

In a heated exchange of allegations, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar accused the BJP of orchestrating a conspiracy against the Congress-led government. The accusations pertain to a so-called Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment scam involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Shivakumar maintains the allegations are unfounded and politically motivated.

The BJP, in conjunction with its NDA ally JD(S), has announced plans for a Padayatra (foot march) from Bengaluru to Mysuru. The march aims to press for the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who is accused of benefiting from the MUDA scam. BJP claims the scam's magnitude is between Rs 4000 crore to Rs 5,000 crore.

Shivakumar, also the State Congress chief, has dismissed the BJP's allegations as baseless, stating that the site allotments were conducted legally when the BJP was in power. He further accused the BJP of copying Congress's concept of Padayatra for publicity. Both parties are now preparing for a showdown as tensions escalate.

(With inputs from agencies.)