Amid Calls for a CBI Probe, Vijayendra Accuses Siddaramaiah of Abusing Power and Lacking Moral Authority
Bengaluru, December 15: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Karnataka Chief BY Vijayendra fired back at Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah after the latter called for a CBI investigation into an alleged corruption case involving Vijayendra. The BJP leader accused Siddaramaiah of “abusing power” and questioned his moral authority to demand an investigation while facing allegations himself.
The controversy erupted after Siddaramaiah alleged in a post on X that Vijayendra attempted to bribe former Minority Commission Chairman Anwar Manippady with ₹150 crore to suppress investigations into Waqf property encroachments. The Karnataka Chief Minister claimed that Vijayendra visited Manippady’s residence during BS Yediyurappa’s tenure as CM with the offer.
“Anwar Manippady publicly stated that Vijayendra offered ₹150 crore to keep silent about the Waqf property encroachment report. He reportedly sent Vijayendra out of his house and reported the incident to PM Narendra Modi and the BJP President,” Siddaramaiah alleged, adding that PM Modi’s “silence” on the issue raises questions.
The Chief Minister also accused the BJP of using Karnataka as its “ATM.”
Vijayendra’s Counterattack
Reacting to the allegations, Vijayendra dismissed them as baseless and criticized Siddaramaiah for celebrating the accusations without evidence. He accused the Chief Minister of hypocrisy, referring to Siddaramaiah’s own legal battles.
“Shocked by the CBI and ED investigations, you sought legal protection from a senior lawyer in Delhi. What morality do you have to order a CBI investigation into someone else, especially when humiliated by the High Court verdict?” Vijayendra posted.
The BJP leader also challenged Siddaramaiah’s cabinet minister, Priyank Kharge, who he accused of “childishly celebrating” the allegations. “The way you and Priyank Kharge are celebrating this baseless accusation shows your lack of political maturity. If you have the courage, let’s see if you allow the CBI investigation into the Muda scam against you without objections,” Vijayendra added.
A Deepening Political Rift
The exchange between Siddaramaiah and Vijayendra reflects the deepening political tensions in Karnataka, with both leaders accusing each other of corruption. While Siddaramaiah has called for a CBI probe into the alleged ₹150 crore bribery case, Vijayendra has demanded transparency in investigating corruption allegations against the ruling party.
With the allegations and counter-allegations heating up, the demand for accountability and transparency is expected to dominate Karnataka’s political discourse in the coming days.