Bengaluru: Union Minister and senior BJP leader Prahlad Joshi has unleashed a scathing attack on Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, suggesting that the Chief Minister could face arrest in the MUDA land case. Joshi drew a stark comparison to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, labeling Siddaramaiah as a “dangerous dictator” of 2024.
In a forceful statement, Joshi described Siddaramaiah as “authoritarian, arrogant, and corrupt,” accusing him of having BJP workers arrested. “Siddaramaiah is authoritarian, arrogant, and corrupt. Today, he got BJP workers arrested. Tomorrow, he might find himself arrested in the MUDA land case,” Joshi told reporters here on Friday.
Joshi has demanded Siddaramaiah’s resignation, calling the MUDA land case a major scandal. He also questioned the silence of Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, challenging him to address the issue. “What will Rahul Gandhi, who often quotes the Constitution, say about the MUDA case?” Joshi asked.
The Union Minister did not hold back in his criticism of the Karnataka government, accusing it of widespread corruption and scams. “The Chief Minister has no shame, honour, or dignity. In 2023, he valued the land at Rs 8 crores, and now he claims it is worth Rs 62 crores,” Joshi said.
He urged the Congress high command to act swiftly, stating, “If they have any authority left, they should immediately remove Siddaramaiah from his position.”
Joshi underscored the necessity of a direct investigation into Siddaramaiah’s involvement, asserting that “such large-scale corruption is impossible without his involvement.” He pointed out that Mysuru, Siddaramaiah’s hometown, is central to the case.
Adding to the allegations, Joshi claimed that Siddaramaiah’s wife received plots in the MUDA land case on a 50:50 ratio basis, with the prime plot in the prestigious Vijayanagar area despite its original location in the Kesare Layout outskirts.
On the Valmiki Corporation case, Joshi highlighted ongoing investigations by the ED and CBI into former ministers, alleging that the Chief Minister, in his role as Finance Minister, is shielding the accused. “The Chairman of the corporation has surrendered to the SIT. The Chief Minister is systematically working to protect them,” Joshi stated.
