G Parameshwara throws his weight behind Siddarmaiah in clean chit on MUDA case

Bengaluru

In a significant development in the MUDA (Mysore Urban Development Authority) case, the Lokayukta has exonerated Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, citing the absence of evidence against him. This decision has sparked discussions, especially among BJP leaders, leading to a sharp response from Karnataka's Home Minister G. Parameshwara.

Parameshwara addressed the BJP's demands for the case to be handed over to the CBI, pointing out that the High Court has already made a ruling against such an action. "There is no necessity to hand this matter over to the CBI. The Lokayukta is conducting the investigation. It's against the law for two agencies to investigate the same issue," he stated, questioning the motives behind the BJP's insistence on a CBI inquiry.

Commenting on the BJP's reaction to the Lokayukta's clean chit to Siddaramaiah, Parameshwara challenged their criticisms, saying, "If the Lokayukta has given a clean chit, one must wonder why the BJP is questioning the Lokayukta's investigation." He further accused the BJP of playing politics, saying that they seem to find convenience in matters that favor them while dismissing issues when they go against their interests. "What kind of politics is this?" he quipped.

The Home Minister elaborated on the court's directive, underscoring that it clearly stated the CBI was unnecessary and that the Lokayukta is an independent agency. He asserted that the government has no control over the Lokayukta's operations and that any directives to interfere with its work would be inappropriate. "The Lokayukta is an independent institution. It operates outside the purview of government control," he emphasized.