'If you're ready…': Siddaramaiah invites Modi for debate on corruption
What's the story
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a direct debate on corruption.
This comes after the PM attacked the Congress party and Siddaramaiah over the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam case during a rally in Haryana's Sonipat.
In his response, Siddaramaiah questioned PM Modi's moral authority to discuss corruption, citing allegations made by BJP's Bijapur City MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal that the CM's seat was auctioned off for ₹2,500 crore.
Counter-accusations
Siddaramaiah accuses BJP of 'washing machine politics'
Siddaramaiah also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of "washing machine politics," alleging that it cleanses corruption stains from opposition leaders who join their party.
He claimed that since 2014, over 25 opposition leaders with corruption allegations have joined hands with the BJP, and 23 of them have been cleared by central agencies.
The CM named several politicians, including Himanta Biswa Sarma, Suvendu Adhikari, HD Kumaraswamy (ally), Ajit Pawar (ally), Ashok Chavan, Narayan Rane and Muniratna as examples.
Corruption allegations
Siddaramaiah questions PM Modi's conscience
Siddaramaiah further questioned PM Modi's conscience over corruption accusations.
He highlighted the induction of Janata Dal (Secular) leader Kumaraswamy, who is facing a ₹100 crore illegal mining scam, into the Union Cabinet.
The CM also questioned why the Governor was ignoring Lokayukta's request for permission to prosecute in this scam and asked who was pressuring him.
Scam details
Siddaramaiah's wife accused in MUDA land scam
The MUDA land scam case involves allegations that compensatory sites were allotted to Siddaramaiah's wife, BM Parvathi, in an upscale area in Mysuru with higher property value compared to her original land location.
The CM has vehemently denied these allegations and labeled the case a "BJP conspiracy."
On Tuesday, the Karnataka High Court dismissed Siddaramaiah's plea challenging the legality of the Governor's order approving an investigation against him in this case.