BJP Intensifies Attack on Congress, Questions Timing of MUDA Chief's Resignation

New Delhi: Soon after Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) chairperson K Marigowda resigned on Wednesday, the BJP intensified its attack on the Karnataka government, accusing it of misappropriating funds meant for the welfare of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). The resignation came amidst an ongoing probe into the MUDA land allotment case involving Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Addressing the media, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra lambasted the Congress government, directly accusing Siddaramaiah of involvement in the MUDA scam. "Siddaramaiah, the Chief Minister of Karnataka, is embroiled in the MUDA scam. There is no doubt about it. You all know that yesterday, the ED also filed a charge sheet. It is not that only the Chairman of MUDA has resigned. The charge sheet of the ED has also been affected."

Patra also alleged the diversion of funds allocated for the SC and ST communities under the Maharshi Valmiki Anusuchit Jana Jati Vikas Nigam, claiming the money was used for political purposes during elections. "The ED's charge sheet categorically mentions that the money which was meant for the welfare of SC and ST communities, which was in the custody of the Maharshi Valmiki board, was used for a political purpose by the Congress party. Congress has given 7 lakh voters 200, 300, 400 rupees each, trying to influence the election of the Bellary Lok Sabha seat."

Patra continued his scathing attack, questioning the ethics of the ruling government. "What is the right of a Chief Minister to sit on the chair like this? The people of India want to know. When the people of Karnataka and when the people of India asked difficult questions of the Congress Party, initially, Mr. Siddaramaiah and DK Shivkumar denied that any such injustice had been done. But later, in fact, they conceded on the floor of the house that the fund had been diverted."

He further demanded Siddaramaiah’s resignation, citing evidence from the ED's findings. "The resignation of the Chairman of MUDA, the ED charge sheet, the spending of money on 7 lakh people in a Lok Sabha in Bellary—what more evidence do we need for Siddaramaiah to step down? If you have the slightest morality left in you, you should immediately step down."

The BJP has maintained that Congress leaders used funds intended for marginalized communities for personal luxuries, including the purchase of expensive items. "Maharshi Valmiki Anusuchit Jana Jati Vikas Nigam Limited's funds were used not only in elections but also to buy a Lamborghini. Flats have been booked, airline tickets have been booked—everything has been done with this diverted money."

Patra's closing remarks underscored the gravity of the alleged corruption. “16 kilograms of gold and 2.5 crore rupees have been recovered, and even after that, we are having to hold a press conference asking the Chief Minister to step down. In 16 kilograms, the entire throne of the Chief Minister will be made of gold. Yet you are not stepping down from the throne. This kind of shamelessness can only happen in Congress .”

He added, “As far as the MUDA scam is concerned, the chairman of MUDA, whose name was Mari Gowda, has resigned today. Behind this, when Siddaramaiah was the Deputy CM, at that time, his wife’s brother was involved, and the Karnataka Industrial Authority Development Board decided to bring a development project there and acquire that land.”

Muda chief resigns amid Karnataka land allotment row 

Marigowda, considered a close aide of Siddaramaiah, cited health reasons in his resignation on Wednesday, October 16. "I resigned due to ill health," said Marigowda, who had recently been hospitalised following complaints of severe discomfort. Media reports indicated that Marigowda exhibited signs of exhaustion and distress while traveling to Bengaluru, leading to his hospitalisation in Mysuru for specialised care.

He submitted his resignation to the Urban Development Department Secretary. "I have resigned following directions from the CM. Also, as I had health issues, I have resigned....there was no pressure on me, as I had health issues I have resigned," Marigowda told reporters here.

Responding to a question, he said, "The investigation is on, and it will continue....it will be known from the probe whether there were any irregularities."

The resignation, however, has been viewed suspiciously by the opposition, which claims that Marigowda's departure is linked to the growing scrutiny in the MUDA land allotment case. This case has drawn heavy criticism from both the Bharatiya Janata Party ( BJP ) and opposition leaders, especially after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a charge sheet implicating those involved.