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The political landscape of Karnataka has been thrown into a frenzy following the state government's decision to revoke the general consent granted to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate cases within its borders. This move, announced on Thursday after a cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, comes amidst intense scrutiny surrounding the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land allotment case, where allegations of impropriety have been levelled against Siddaramaiah's wife. The government has cited the CBI's alleged “bias” as the primary reason for the withdrawal of consent.
The controversy surrounding the MUDA land allotment case has escalated significantly, with the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) aggressively calling for a CBI investigation into the alleged irregularities. The BJP has accused Siddaramaiah of using his position to influence the allocation of 14 sites to his wife, fueling the demand for a thorough and impartial inquiry. This pressure from the BJP, coupled with the ongoing investigations, has undoubtedly contributed to the state government's decision to revoke the CBI's general consent.
Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil has refuted any direct link between the withdrawal of consent and the MUDA case. He has clarified that the revocation is in accordance with the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, which allows for investigations on a case-by-case basis. However, the timing of the revocation, coinciding with the escalating MUDA controversy, has sparked skepticism among many observers. Patil has further alleged that the CBI has exhibited bias in its past investigations, including those related to mining, where the agency failed to file chargesheets. This alleged bias has further fueled the government's decision to assert more control over the investigations within the state.
Karnataka joins other non-BJP-ruled states, including West Bengal, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, in revoking general consent for CBI investigations. This trend suggests a growing distrust among non-BJP states towards the agency's perceived bias and influence. The BJP, meanwhile, has accused the Congress-led Karnataka government of attempting to shield Siddaramaiah from a comprehensive probe into the MUDA allegations. The decision to revoke the CBI's consent has further intensified the political battle between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP in Karnataka. The state's political landscape is likely to remain turbulent in the coming days as both parties engage in heated exchanges and legal maneuvering surrounding the MUDA case and the implications of the revoked CBI consent.
Source: Karnataka govt revokes consent for CBI to probe cases in state amid MUDA ‘scam’ case