MUDA case: Congress hits back at activist over allegations of pressure to withdraw demand for CBI probe

Congress spokesperson criticizes RTI activist over CBI probe demand, questions funding source, and accuses BJP and JD(S) involvement.

Congress spokesperson M. Lakshman took a swipe at RTI activist Snehamayi Krishna over his recent complaint to the Lokayukta that he was under pressure to withdraw his demand for a CBI investigation into the MUDA case.

The activist is a complainant in the case pertaining to the alleged irregularities with regard to allotment of site to Ms. Parvathi, wife of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, by the MUDA and is being investigated by the Lokayukta police. But citing lack of confidence in the Lokayukta, Mr. Krishna has filed a case before the High Court of Karnataka seeking directives for a CBI probe. On Wednesday (December 18, 2024), Mr. Krishna also filed a fresh complaint before the Lokayukta, that he was under pressure by some people who allegedly offered to pay a large sum of money if he withdrew his demand for a CBI probe.

Responding to the developments, Mr. Lakshman who spoke to mediapersons in Mysuru on Thursday (December 19, 2024) not only refuted the contents in the complaint filed by Mr. Krishna, but also questioned the source of his funds for pursuing the case in courts. “What is the source of funds for hiring top lawyers in the country to argue on your behalf,” questioned Mr.Lakshman.

Referring to the CD containing video of two persons meeting Mr. Krishna at his residence at 10.30 a.m; Mr. Lakshman challenged him to provide the footage of the entire day. “We too have some video footages and will submit the same to the police,” he added.

The KPCC spokesperson dismissed Mr. Krishna as a “side actor” in the entire episode and said there were other “directors and producers” of the BJP and JD(S) behind it. “We will expose them in due course,” he added.

Accusing Mr. Krishna of resorting to extortion and blackmailing of government officials, Mr. Lakshman, said the Congress was aware of the forces and persons who were behind him in the MUDA case.

The KPCC spokesperson also lashed out at Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his remarks on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. He said Dr. Ambedkar did not belong to any caste or community but to all and it was only due to the Constitution that Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister. “Mr. Shah’s remarks are an affront on the democracy and Constitution, and hence he should be sacked,” said Mr. Lakshman.