MUDA ‘scam’: H.D. Kumaraswamy lambasts saffron party leaders over padayatra timing, exposes chinks in BJP-JD(S) alliance
The Hindu
H.D. Kumaraswamy has questioned the timing of the padayatra, proposed by the BJP, citing the heavy rains and floods in various parts of Karnataka.
Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy has indicated that the JD(S) would not support the proposed Bengaluru-Mysuru padayatra of the BJP to highlight the alleged scam in allotment of MUDA sites. He questioned the need for a padayatra at this juncture.
This has exposed the differences between BJP and Janata Dal (Secular) over handling the issue of alleged irregularities in allotment of Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) sites to the wife of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
The JD(S) leader’s outbursts in New Delhi on July 31 drew attention to the rift between the NDA partners over the organisation of the padayatra.
“Why should we extend support to the padayatra if they are not taking us into confidence and treating us in the right way? The padayatra passes through our stronghold,” the Union Minister told mediapersons in Delhi on July 31. “We will be together during elections. However, what will we achieve with this kind of programme?”
Mr. Kumaraswamy’s comments came a day after the core committee of the Janata Dal (Secular) expressed reservation about supporting the padayatra in the light of rains, sowing season, lack of preparation, inability of Mr. Kumaraswamy to participate in the padayatra and the internal rift within the BJP over the programme.
The padayatra was planned for launch on August 3 after the BJP and JD(S) were denied permission to raise the issue in both houses of the legislature during the recently concluded monsoon session.
The JD(S) has been cagey about going ahead with an ‘ill-planned padayatra’ that could reflect badly on its popularity in the Vokkaliga-dominated Ramanagara, Mandya and Mysuru districts where it is facing a challenge from KPCC president and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
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