Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], September 27 (ANI): A day after the Karnataka government withdrew open consent for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct probes in the state, Home Minister G Parameshwara on Friday accused the central agency of investigating in the state without informing the state government.
“In several instances, many states have allowed CBI investigations, but some states don’t permit it. This is not the first time in our state. In several cases, they came to the state for investigation without informing us; this is not right,” Parameshwara told reporters.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said the government made the decision to prevent the CBI from misusing its power. “It is not just Karnataka; opposition parties across the country have taken this decision. In view of that, the Karnataka government has also taken this step. We don’t want the CBI to misuse its power,” Shivakumar told ANI.
The state government’s decision follows the opposition’s demand for a CBI investigation into the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land allotment scam, where Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is implicated. On Wednesday, a Special Court in Bengaluru ordered the Karnataka Lokayukta to investigate allegations of illegalities in the allotment of 14 sites worth ₹56 crore to Siddaramaiah’s wife, Parvathi, by MUDA.
Meanwhile, former Minister and Congress leader TB Jayachandra praised the Karnataka government’s decision to withdraw open consent for CBI investigations in the state. “It is a good decision. When the state government knows that they (the CBI) are misusing power, it becomes inevitable,” Jayachandra said.
Congress MLA Dr. Ranganath echoed this sentiment, stating that the CBI, along with the Income Tax Department and the Enforcement Directorate, had become agencies of the BJP. “This is a welcome gesture. The CBI, IT, and ED have become BJP’s agencies, so I feel it is the right decision,” Ranganath said.
Karnataka Law Minister HK Patil also criticized the CBI, calling it “biased.” He said the government withdrew open consent to prevent the agency from taking the wrong path. “We are withdrawing open consent for CBI investigations in the state. We are concerned about the misuse of the CBI. In all the cases we referred to the CBI, they haven’t filed charge sheets, leaving many cases pending. They have also refused to investigate several cases we sent. There are numerous such instances. They are biased. That’s why we made this decision. It’s not because of the MUDA case. We have taken this step to control the CBI from going down the wrong path,” Patil said during a press conference.
He also expressed the cabinet’s full support for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, stating, “The entire cabinet expresses its solidarity with the CM. The legislature party and high command are with him and encourage him to fight back.”
Patil added that the CBI is not relevant to the MUDA case, as the Special Court has already ordered an investigation by the Lokayukta. “Apart from that, an important decision we’ve taken today is that no communication, explanation, or detailed note shall go to the Governor without the cabinet’s advice. After our advice, the chief secretary can send it to the Governor. Even Raj Bhavan is being abused by the BJP. The MUDA case is already being investigated by the Lokayukta, and that was suggested by the High Court. Therefore, the CBI is not relevant here,” Patil concluded.
