'They're Biased': Karnataka Revokes Consent Given To CBI Amid MUDA Probe Calls

The Congress-led Siddaramaiah government in Karnataka withdrew its consent on Thursday for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct investigations in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment case.

The announcement was made by Karnataka Law Minister H.K. Patil, who expressed concerns about the potential misuse of the CBI.

Addressing the media, Patil stated, “We are withdrawing open consent for CBI investigation in the state. We are expressing our concerns about the misuse of the CBI. In all the cases we have referred to the CBI, they have not filed charge sheets, leaving many cases pending.”

He further accused the CBI of bias, explaining that the decision to withdraw consent was taken to prevent the central probe agency from “taking the wrong path.”

“They have also refused to investigate several cases we have sent. There are numerous such instances. They are biased. That’s why we are taking the decision. It’s not because of the MUDA case. We have taken this decision to control them (CBI) from taking the wrong path,” Patil added.

Cabinet Order Directs Officials Not To Share Info With Governor

The Karnataka cabinet has also passed an order directing the state’s Chief Secretary, Shalini Rajneesh, and other officials not to provide any information requested by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot without cabinet approval.

According to Section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946, the CBI must obtain consent from the respective state governments to conduct investigations.

This decision comes a day after a special court ordered a probe by the Lokayukta police in Mysuru against the Chief Minister, paving the way for an FIR to be registered against him.

The Special Court, which specifically handles criminal cases involving former and current MPs and MLAs, directed the Lokayukta police in Mysuru to initiate an investigation based on a complaint filed by RTI activist Snehamayi Krishna.

Senior Congress Leader Urges Siddaramaiah To Resign For Party’s Sake

Siddaramaiah has repeatedly asserted that he is “not afraid” of an investigation, dismissing the BJP’s pressure for him to resign as the sitting Chief Minister. He has also rejected the party’s demand for a CBI probe into the alleged fraudulent allotment of sites by MUDA.

However, in a setback for Siddaramaiah, senior leader and Karnataka Congress Disciplinary Committee President K.B. Koliwad on Thursday suggested that Siddaramaiah should resign to avoid embarrassing the party.

Speaking to the media, former Assembly Speaker Koliwad said, “I appeal to him personally. He has no allegations, has delivered pro-people programmes and has the support of 136 MLAs. Siddaramaiah should resign at this stage and help the party as the Congress would face embarrassment in the forthcoming elections.”

He added, “CM Siddaramaiah will come out clean in this case and he will become the CM yet again. Hence, he should not cause embarrassment to the party and resign. CM Siddaramaiah will have to step down and face the investigation.”

Koliwad stated that the Opposition was misusing the situation and emphasised that Siddaramaiah would be supported by the 136 MLAs and the high command after he clears the investigation.

(With inputs from agencies)