BJP MLC slams CM over Palace Ground, Muda 'scam' crime rate

NT Correspondent

Mysuru: BJP MLC H. Vishwanath on Saturday criticised the Karnataka government's decision to promulgate an ordinance to take over Bangalore Palace grounds for road widening. Addressing reporters, he urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to resolve disputes among members of the Mysuru royal family through discussions instead of targeting them. He alleged that issues surrounding the royal family's property disputes tend to escalate whenever Siddaramaiah assumes power.

Vishwanath also criticised the proposal to name the KRS stretch after Siddaramaiah as "Siddaramaiah Arogya Marga," which has drawn public and royal family backlash in recent days. Highlighting the contributions of the Mysuru maharajas to the state’s modern development, he stated that the government should show due respect to their legacy. On reports of the Lokayukta giving a clean chit to Siddaramaiah in the Muda scam, Vishwanath questioned the credibility of the investigation. He alleged that people lack faith in agencies controlled by the state government, especially when the accused holds the highest office. "Lokayukta officials are mere puppets of the government," he claimed. The BJP leader also criticised Home Minister G. Parameshwara for his failure to control rising crime, including daylight robberies, dacoities, kidnappings, and thefts, while also failing to regulate micro-financing agencies accused of harassing borrowers. Vishwanath called on BJP high command leaders to conduct elections for the party's state president rather than appointing someone.

He also lashed out at MLA and mining baron G. Janardhan Reddy for his recent spar with BJP leader B. Sriramulu. “Reddy should remain grateful to Sriramulu and the Valmiki community for their unwavering support, which played a vital role in his political and personal success,” he said. The BJP MLC further criticised JDS MLA G. T. Devegowda for issuing statements favourable to Siddaramaiah, alleging that Devegowda, who is also implicated in the Muda scam, might have colluded with the Chief Minister. Vishwanath clarified that he has no intentions of joining another party, contesting for any presidential post, or quitting politics.