A day after Karnataka BJP MLA Madal Virupakshappa's son Prashant Madal was caught taking a bribe of Rs 40 lakh, state Congress leaders including Siddaramaiah and Randeep Surjewala were detained amidst protests outside Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai's residence. The leaders were demanding the chief minister's resignation.
"In relation to BJP MLA Madalu Virupakshappa being involved in a bribery case, the CM's residence was besieged and protested under the leadership of AICC general secretaries @rssurjewala and opposition leaders @siddaramaiah demanding the resignation of the Chief Minister (@BSBommai who is morally responsible for this corruption," the Congress said.
The Congress leaders were allegedly detained by the police during the protests. The party also started a poster campaign accusing the ruling BJP in the state of collecting 40 percent commission on public works. "It is not enough that you arrested Prashanth Kumar. If they have little shame, you should arrest the MLA Madal Virupakshappa immediately. Basavaraj Bommai should resign taking moral responsibility," Siddaramaiah said.
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Alleging that in the byelections alone, the BJP had spent Rs 40 crore to Rs 50 crore, the former chief minister said the BJP wants to win the election through money power. He appealed to the people to teach the BJP a lesson in the next election.
He also slammed Union Home Minister Amit Shah for calling the previous Congress government led by him for using Karnataka as "an ATM for a family". "You called my government an ATM government. Now, Mr Shah what will you say about this? Without any evidences, you make allegations but here we have a solid proof," the former chief minister charged.
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BJP MLA steps down as Chairman of KSDL
After the Lokayukta sleuths on Thursday arrested BJP MLA Maadal Virupakshappa’s son red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 40 lakh, officials recovered Rs 6 crore from his house. Alleging "conspiracy" against him and his family, the MLA resigned as the chairman of Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL).
In a letter to Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, the MLA stated, "There is some conspiracy against my family. I'm submitting resignation under moral responsibility as there is an allegation against me."
It has been reported that apart from the 40 lakh bribe, the Lokayukta officials also seized Rs 1.7 crore from the BJP MLA's son Prashanth Kumar’s office.
(With inputs from PTI)
