Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Feb 23: The Karnataka BJP has escalated its attack on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, with Opposition Leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy declaring that the CM will "definitely go to jail" in connection with the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam.
Addressing the media at the BJP state office, ‘Jagannath Bhavan’ in Bengaluru on Saturday, Narayanaswamy accused Siddaramaiah of being deeply involved in the controversy, which he claimed continues to haunt the Chief Minister. "His mood hasn’t changed yet, and the MUDA issue continues to follow him," Narayanaswamy said.
"No matter how many certificates or clearances you get, the law will prevail, and you will face justice. There is no escape. You will go to jail in the MUDA case," he said.
Narayanaswamy went on to assert that the legal system would ensure justice despite any attempts to protect Siddaramaiah, reaffirming that the courts will take action. The strong statements come amid growing scrutiny of the government's handling of the MUDA matter.
The BJP leader also expressed frustration over the state government’s repeated postponement of elections for the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), accusing them of undermining the democratic process. "They once spoke about 'Brand Bengaluru.' Now, they are talking about 'Greater Bengaluru.' If they couldn’t develop 'Brand Bengaluru,' how will they create 'Greater Bengaluru'?" Narayanaswamy questioned, emphasising that these delays only weakened the state's governance.
Turning to the government’s controversial proposal to divide Bengaluru into seven parts, Narayanaswamy fiercely criticised the move. "This is not the right approach. By creating 'Greater Bengaluru,' you are dismantling the Bengaluru built by Kempegowda. This move does not align with the vision of developing the city in an integrated and efficient manner," he said.
Narayanaswamy argued that the division would only serve to increase the number of mayoral positions, benefiting politicians rather than addressing the city's real needs. "It’s all about creating more political posts, not serving the people," he said.
Narayanaswamy also pointed to growing security concerns in Bengaluru, citing bomb threats and other dangers that have emerged. "Disruptive elements have entered Bengaluru, causing havoc, but instead of ensuring the city's security, the government is busy dividing it into smaller parts," he said. "This is not a solution; it’s about power grabs, not protecting the citizens."
The BJP leader then responded sharply to Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar's recent remark that "even God cannot save Bengaluru," accusing the government of being incapable of fulfilling its promises. "Then what is your job? Step down! Resign and leave! Someone else will come and govern. We can build Bengaluru better than you," Narayanaswamy retorted.
He further criticised Shivakumar and the ruling Congress for offering excuses instead of taking responsibility for the city's problems. "They came to power with false promises about development. Now they are stuck in their 'guarantees,' which have already lost credibility," Narayanaswamy added.
The fierce criticism from Narayanaswamy highlights the growing tension between the BJP and the Congress in Karnataka. With the focus on urban development, governance failures, security concerns, and the ongoing legal controversy surrounding Siddaramaiah, the political battle in the state appears set to intensify.