Siddaramaiah Calls for CBI Probe Into ₹150 Crore Bribery Allegation Against B.Y. Vijayendra

Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into serious allegations made by former Karnataka Minority Commission Chairman Anwar Manippady against State BJP chief B.Y. Vijayendra, son of BJP leader and former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa.

Manippady alleged that Vijayendra offered him a ₹150 crore bribe to suppress investigations into Wakf property encroachments during Yediyurappa’s tenure as Chief Minister. The former commission chairman has claimed that Vijayendra personally visited his house with the offer, which he rejected. He further stated that he reported the incident to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP President at the time.

The Chief Minister termed the allegations as shocking and demanded immediate action, stating, “The BJP leadership must address this issue and provide answers. The Prime Minister’s silence on such serious allegations raises many questions. If the BJP is truly committed to fighting corruption, why has no action been taken so far?”

Manippady’s claims come amidst existing controversies surrounding the BJP’s handling of Wakf property issues. Critics have accused the party of issuing record notices related to Wakf properties during the tenures of Yediyurappa and Basavaraj Bommai, pointing to a pattern of alleged corruption.

Adding to the uproar, BJP leader Basangouda Patil Yatnal previously accused Vijayendra of paying ₹2,000 crore to ensure his father’s position as Chief Minister. Opposition leaders argue these allegations reflect deeper issues within the party.

Siddaramaiah also referenced other controversies, including alleged irregularities during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying, “Skeletons are tumbling out of the BJP’s closet, from bribery attempts to Wakf property loot. The people of Karnataka deserve a transparent inquiry and answers, not baseless diversions.”