 |
|
The Karnataka monsoon session of the state legislature came to an abrupt end on Thursday, a day earlier than scheduled, amidst a heated standoff between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP and JD(S). The opposition parties, enraged over alleged irregularities in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), staged an overnight dharna demanding permission to debate the issue, specifically highlighting the allotment of alternative sites to land-losers, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s wife.
The session, which began on July 15 and spanned eight days, was marred by controversies surrounding the alleged irregularities in both the MUDA and the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation. The opposition parties persistently called for the Chief Minister’s resignation over these allegations. Despite the protests, both houses of the legislature witnessed a flurry of legislative activity, passing several bills and adopting four resolutions that condemned the stance of the central government.
The opposition’s frustration peaked when their request to debate the MUDA issue was denied by the speaker, leading to a loud and chaotic protest within the Assembly. Following the session's adjournment, BJP and JD(S) members marched to the Raj Bhavan and appealed to Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot to intervene, urging him to compel the Chief Minister to step down in the wake of the alleged scams. The opposition parties accused the Congress government of misusing funds meant for Dalit welfare, alleging that ₹25,000 crore had been diverted to other projects.
The BJP, vowing to pursue the matter, announced plans for a joint padayatra with the JD(S) from Bengaluru to Mysuru to intensify pressure on the Chief Minister. This demonstration is expected to commence next week and leverage the JD(S's strong political influence in the regions traversed by the march. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar countered the BJP's plans, challenging them to take their protest to Delhi and promising to expose their own alleged corrupt activities.
Adding fuel to the fire, BJP State president B.Y. Vijayendra claimed that the Governor had sought an explanation from the Chief Minister regarding the alleged MUDA irregularities. Vijayendra referred to a meeting with the Governor on Wednesday, alleging that the Governor had summoned the Chief Minister to discuss the MUDA scam. These accusations further escalated tensions between the ruling party and the opposition, raising questions about the future of the political landscape in Karnataka.
Source: Stormy monsoon session ends a day ahead of schedule amid dharna by Opposition over MUDA row