Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah addressed the 'Jan Andolan Yatra' of Congress in Mysuru on Wednesday, a rally aimed at countering the BJP's padyatra, which has focused on the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment 'scam' involving Siddaramaiah's wife, BM Parvathi. The show of unity by Congress through bike rally also aimed to expose alleged scams committed by the previous BJP-led government in Karnataka, including irregularities amounting to Rs 87 crore in the Bhovi Corporation.
During his speech, Siddaramaiah accused the BJP and JD(S) of conspiring against him through Raj Bhavan. He defended himself against accusations related to the MUDA land allotment, stating, "BJP and JD(S) leaders say I used my influence to get the site allotted to me. But, how am I at fault if you allot the land during your tenure? BJP and JD(S) are trying all possible ways to destabilise the govt and taint me."
Siddaramaiah also addressed allegations of corruption within the Valmiki Corporation, acknowledging that some corporation and bank officials were involved in a scam, and that Rs 87 crores had been recovered.
He said: "I'm not saying there is no corruption in Valmiki Corporation. Some of the corporation officials and bank officials are involved in the scam and Rs 87 crores are been recovered. A charge sheet has been filed in this case."
Further, Siddaramaiah said, "BS Yediyurappa should not be in politics, as a chargesheet has been filed against him in a POCSO case. What moral right does he have to remain in politics? Vijayendra is involved in many of the scams."
Meanwhile, the combined opposition of BJP and JD(S) continued their protest march on Friday, demanding Siddaramaiah's resignation over the alleged MUDA site allotment 'scam.' The week-long Bengaluru-Mysuru padayatra aims to bring attention to what they claim are fraudulent land allotments made by MUDA, including one to Siddaramaiah's wife, Parvathi.