Bengaluru, Nov 6 (UNI) In a scathing attack, Leader of Opposition (LoP) R Ashoka has alleged that the ongoing Lokayukta investigation into Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is nothing more than a case of "match-fixing."
Ashoka raised doubts over the integrity and timing of the probe, questioning whether the investigation was designed to protect the Chief Minister rather than uncover the truth.
"CM Siddaramaiah is facing a Lokayukta investigation today. We are ashamed of it. He claims his political career is an open book, yet today he sits before an officer who works under him. Is this investigation a match-fixing?" Ashoka alleged on Wednesday, highlighting the unusual circumstances surrounding the inquiry.
The BJP leader also pointed to the Chief Minister's travel plans, which had been released on Tuesday night, stating that Siddaramaiah would be campaigning for the Congress candidate in Channapatna. Ashoka questioned whether the investigation’s timing had been arranged to fit the CM’s schedule, suggesting the possibility of pre-determined questioning times.
"Has the investigation time by the Lokayukta been fixed beforehand? Has CM Siddaramaiah instructed the officers about the time frame for questioning?" the LoP demanded, accusing the authorities of staging a biased investigation. He further criticised the questioning of the second accused, CM Siddaramaiah’s wife, before the prime accused, calling the entire process questionable.
Echoing Ashoka’s concerns, former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa criticised the probe as "an eyewash," claiming that the Lokayukta would not take any significant action against Siddaramaiah. "If Siddaramaiah claims to be honest, let him hand over the case to the CBI," Yediyurappa urged, alleging that the Chief Minister's involvement in corruption was widely known.
Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, LoP in the Karnataka Legislative Council, also weighed in, emphasising that Siddaramaiah is the first sitting Chief Minister to face a Lokayukta probe. "This won’t bring honour to him or the state. How can the workers question their boss?" he asked, calling for the CBI to take over the investigation.
As the probe continues, petitioner Snehamayi Krishna has called for a CBI investigation, while the Lokayukta has served a notice to proceed with its inquiry.
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