The BJP in Karnataka has intensified its campaign against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, announcing statewide protests scheduled for June 28. The protests are aimed at demanding the resignation of the Chief Minister following allegations of financial irregularities in the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation Limited (KMVSTDC).
Shri Bangaru Hanumanthu, BJP ST Morcha State President, addressed reporters stating that the agitation will encompass all district and Taluk headquarters, along with major villages across Karnataka.
“We will not cease our protests until the Chief Minister resigns from his post. Tomorrow, on June 28, we are planning vigorous demonstrations across the state and will besiege the offices of deputy commissioners in all districts,” Hanumanthu asserted.
The BJP leader emphasized the scale of the alleged scam, claiming it to be a mega scam worth Rs. 187 crore. He accused the Congress of misusing a significant portion of the funds, estimating that Rs. 89 crore had been spent. According to him, the money was transferred to over 700 bank accounts spread across Bengaluru Rural district, Ballari district, Hyderabad in Telangana, and Davangere.
Hanumanthu also questioned the lack of oversight from the Finance department regarding the opening of new bank accounts and the subsequent fund transfers. He dismissed Minister B Nagendra’s resignation as inadequate, insisting that more resignations, including those of prominent figures like Sharanaprakash Patil, Basawaraj Daddal, and CM Siddaramaiah, were necessary for accountability.
The scandal surfaced following the tragic death of KMVSTDC accounts superintendent Chandrasekharan P on May 21, who left a suicide note alleging illicit money transfers from the Corporation. Subsequently, two officials were suspended, and under mounting pressure, ST Welfare Minister Nagendra resigned on May 29.
The BJP’s call for protests underscores escalating political tensions in Karnataka as the opposition intensifies its scrutiny of the Siddaramaiah administration’s handling of public funds. The party aims to mobilize public opinion against the alleged corruption and press for decisive action.
