BJP and Congress clash over MUDA scam and internal reservation

BELAGAVI: The war of words between Congress and BJP leaders in Karnataka escalated over issues of internal reservation and alleged land allotment scams.

Congress leader B K Hariprasad responded sharply to BJP president B Y Vijayendra’s demands on the MUDA scam, challenging his stance. “Vijayendra should ask for the investigation of the land allotted to RSS and Sangh Parivar… At what cost have they taken this land?” Hariprasad demanded, directing attention toward land allocations he believes warrant investigation.

#WATCH | Belagavi, Karnataka | On Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra Yediyurappa’s demands on alleged MUDA scam, Congress leader BK Hariprasad says, “Vijyendra should ask for the investigation of the land allotted to RSS and Sangh Parivar… At what cost have they taken this… pic.twitter.com/an0CetbwJD

— ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2024

Vijayendra had previously sought action on the alleged MUDA scam, raising questions about land irregularities. Hariprasad, however, chose to shift focus to the BJP’s ties with right-wing groups, calling for greater scrutiny of their land dealings.

The debate shifted to the issue of internal reservation when Hariprasad also referenced the Supreme Court’s ruling. “The Supreme Court has given the directive for internal reservation. Nobody can escape that. It has to be implemented…” he asserted, emphasizing that the decision was legally binding on the state.

#WATCH | Belagavi, Karnataka | On Internal Reservation issue, BJP leader CT Ravi says, “Supreme Court has passed the judgment on internal reservation that the state governments have to take a decision on this. We executed the Madhuswamy report under which we gave justice to every… pic.twitter.com/Rnm1jQFBuy

— ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2024

Earlier, BJP leader C T Ravi, responding to the ongoing controversy, said, “Supreme Court has passed the judgment on internal reservation that the state governments have to take a decision on this. We executed the Madhuswamy report under which we gave justice to every community…”, Ravi stated.

He further downplayed calls for further commissions, adding, “The people do not want Justice Sadashiva Commission report… We have only one demand that the government should give internal reservation and support the Madhuswamy report”.

On Monday, BJP state president Vijayendra criticised the state government over the police lathicharge on the Lingayat Panchamasali community during their protest for reservation, calling it an example of the arrogance of the CM Siddaramaiah-led government.

“The arrogance of CM Siddaramaiah’s government is evident. On his instructions, the police lathicharged peaceful protesters from the Panchamasali community, as well as farmers and Hindus. This is the height of arrogance,” said Vijayendra.

He further criticised the government for failing to apologise in the legislature, stating that such actions could not have occurred without the explicit directions of the Chief Minister and the Home Minister. (ANI)