CM Siddaramaiah Forms Panel to Accelerate Probe into Scams from Previous BJP Govt

Bengaluru:Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the formation of a five-member cabinet subcommittee to oversee and expedite investigations into various scams that occurred during the previous BJP government. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Siddaramaiah revealed that the subcommittee will be led by Home Minister G Parameshwara, along with members Byre Gowda, Priyank Kharge, HK Patil, and Santosh Lad.

“There are 21 scams tied to the former administration. To ensure a thorough inquiry, we’ve set up this committee to accelerate the process and provide recommendations to the cabinet,” Siddaramaiah stated. Among the cases to be probed are the alleged irregularities in the PSI recruitment process, the 40 per cent commission scam, the COVID-19 mismanagement scandal, and the Bitcoin controversy. The committee has been given a two-month deadline to submit its findings.

When asked about the BJP’s accusations of political vendetta, Siddaramaiah dismissed the claims. “This isn’t about revenge politics. We have never engaged in vendetta, not even during my previous tenure as Chief Minister. However, we will act against any wrongdoing,” he asserted.

Notably, Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot had earlier authorized the prosecution of Siddaramaiah in connection with the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam. In response, Siddaramaiah has since challenged the Governor’s decision in the Karnataka High Court.

Addressing another query regarding the Enforcement Directorate (ED) filing a charge sheet in the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Welfare Corporation Ltd scam, Siddaramaiah refrained from commenting, stating, “The matter is sub judice. Both the ED and the SIT have conducted investigations and submitted charge sheets. It is now up to the court to proceed.”