Mysuru: Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy has launched a scathing attack on the state government, alleging political vendetta and manipulation of the Lokayukta report to shield key figures in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam.
Lokayukta Report “Orchestrated for CM’s Convenience”
Addressing a press conference in Mysuru, Kumaraswamy criticized the Lokayukta’s submission of a ‘B Report’ to the court regarding the first four accused in the MUDA scandal.
“Everyone knows what happened in the MUDA scam. The documents reveal the truth,” he asserted.
Accusing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of interfering in the investigation, Kumaraswamy alleged, “The government has ensured that this case never reaches a logical conclusion. For the first time in Karnataka’s history, an SIT comprising five IAS officers has been formed to investigate my land. This is nothing but targeted harassment.”
He further claimed that the government was fabricating ownership claims. “Forty years ago, as a film distributor in Mysuru, I worked hard to acquire that land. Now, they claim 14 acres have been encroached upon. I had previously written to the authorities, asking them to conduct a survey and reclaim any encroached land. Instead, my concerns were ignored, and I have been harassed for decades,” he lamented.
Kumaraswamy also questioned the sudden emergence of new claimants. “Who are these people? Where did they come from? Who brought them? I have all the information,” he warned.
Daring the government to conduct an international survey, he said, “I have nothing to fear. But is Siddaramaiah a modern-day Satya Harishchandra? What about the Hinakal Sakamma land dispute? What is the CM’s connection to it?”
“Kannadigas Not Safe in Belagavi”
Raising concerns over the safety of Kannadigas in Belagavi, Kumaraswamy accused the Congress-led state government of failing to protect Kannada-speaking citizens.
“Who is this government trying to protect? A minister even delivered a speech in Marathi! In 2006-07, when I was CM, I ensured that Maharashtra’s attempts to annex Belagavi did not succeed. Instead, I made Belagavi Karnataka’s second capital and laid the foundation for Suvarna Vidhana Soudha. But under this government, chaos has taken over,” he remarked.
He also took a swipe at Karnataka Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara. “He is now talking about resigning, perhaps realizing that dignified politicians have no place in this government,” Kumaraswamy said sarcastically.
“Congress Focuses on Records, Not Governance”
Slamming the Congress administration, he accused the government of prioritizing publicity over problem-solving.
“This government, despite winning 136 seats, has no control over anything. Yet, Minister Mahadevappa claims the CM is setting records! Mahadevappa, governance isn’t about the length of your tenure—it’s about how many people’s problems you solve,” he criticized.
“If Price Hike Is Your Guarantee, I’ll Give ₹10,000 Myself!”
Kumaraswamy also took aim at the government’s welfare schemes.
“I governed for 20 months once and 14 months another time with a people-first approach. But where is your funding coming from? Is it your personal wealth?” he questioned.
“You claim to provide guarantees, but you have hiked metro fares, bus fares, liquor prices, stamp duty, and guidance values. If this is how guarantees work, I will personally give ₹10,000 per month as a guarantee!” he mocked.
Caste Census: A Challenge to the Government
Commenting on the caste census report, Kumaraswamy accused the Congress of selectively leaking details to the media while withholding the full report.
“No one came to my house to conduct a caste census,” he said, citing a similar claim made by a Channagiri Congress MLA.
“If you have the courage, release the full report and face the consequences!” he dared.
He also accused the Congress of mismanaging the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC).
“They destroyed the future of 370 children just to favor one girl. The KPSC has become a hub of corruption. If you plant a neem tree, can you expect to harvest mangoes?” he remarked.
“Punish Udayagiri Rioters Ruthlessly”
Speaking on the recent riots in Mysuru’s Udayagiri, Kumaraswamy demanded strict action against those responsible.
“If people dare to hurl stones at police vehicles, it shows the deteriorating law and order situation. Karnataka must remain a land of peace, as envisioned by Kuvempu,” he emphasized.
He also urged BJP leaders to take a firm stance against antisocial elements.
“Those who stockpile stones to attack others should not be protected. The government exists to serve everyone, not just to appease certain groups. Congress must not forget this,” he warned.
Several prominent leaders, including Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Chamaraja Wadiyar, former ministers Sa. Ra. Mahesh and C.S. Puttaraju, MLC C.N. Manjegowda, former MLA Ashwin Kumar, former Mayor Ravi Kumar, and BJP spokesperson Mahesh, were present at the press conference.
