Bengaluru: Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R Ashoka, has questioned the recent suspension of GT Dinesh, former commissioner of the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), suggesting that the government’s actions indirectly acknowledge irregularities in site allotments, including those involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s family.
Dinesh, who had recently been appointed registrar of Haveri University, was suspended after implementing a 50:50 site allotment ratio rule, which the government deemed improper.
Ashoka criticized the suspension, noting that it came only days after Dinesh’s appointment, amidst ongoing scrutiny of site allocations by MUDA.
On Wednesday, Ashoka highlighted that the government had not taken any action in the ten months since a technical committee, formed during the BJP tenure, submitted its report on MUDA irregularities. He questioned why Dinesh was appointed as a university registrar even as investigations were underway.
“The recent actions by the government suggest an admission of irregularities. People are questioning the need for such appointments and the lack of timely action,” Ashoka stated. He added that the controversy surrounding MUDA has visibly perturbed the Chief Minister.
Ashoka also criticized the government’s recent Raj Bhavan march, suggesting it was an attempt to divert attention from the ongoing investigations. He pointed out that the public is questioning the allocation of multiple sites to the CM’s family and accused the Congress of attempting to deflect criticism by portraying the issue as a political attack on a backward class leader.
Echoing Ashoka’s concerns, BJP MLC N Ravi Kumar called for the Chief Minister’s resignation and urged the return of the sites in question to MUDA. He stressed the need for an impartial investigation by an independent agency not affiliated with the state government, citing the seriousness of the allegations.
Ashoka further commented on the broader impact of the ongoing controversies, alleging that governance has been adversely affected. “Development work has come to a standstill; roads are in poor condition, and essential services have been disrupted,” he said, referencing ongoing protests by contractors in Bengaluru over unpaid dues.
The Opposition leader also criticized the handling of other issues, including flood relief efforts in North Karnataka and the state’s response to infrastructure challenges, urging the government to prioritize the welfare of the people.
