Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced that liquor prices in the state may see a sharp increase to match those in neighboring states. This comes as the government sets a target of Rs 40,000 crore for excise tax collection, with last year's collection standing at Rs 36,500 crore. The move has already caused a stir as beer duties were increased in January, leading to concerns of a potential drop in sales for liquor vendors.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, his wife, and other accused received a clean chit from the Lokayukta following an extensive investigation into the MUDA site allotment case. The probe was launched in September 2024 after social activist Snehamayi Krishna filed a petition against them. The Lokayukta said there was no evidence to prove charges against the accused, including Siddaramaiah, his wife and brother-in-law BM Mallikarjuna Swamy. The investigation covered various acts, including Prevention of Corruption Act and Prohibition of Benami Property Transactions Act.
Karnataka High Court has rejected an RTI activist's plea to transfer the investigation into the MUDA site allotment case, where Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is accused of illegally allocating 14 sites to his wife. This decision comes as a relief for Siddaramaiah, as he faced allegations of wrongdoing by the opposition. The court's decision to dismiss the petition raises questions about the validity of the accusations made against the Chief Minister.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called out Union Minister Amit Shah for his disparaging remarks about B R Ambedkar, stating that Shah would have been a "scrap dealer" if not for the Constitution. Amidst din in the assembly, Siddaramaiah said Shah's words reflect the true opinion of the BJP and Sangh Parivar about Ambedkar. He also congratulated Shah for openly revealing their innermost thoughts. The House was adjourned twice as both the Congress and BJP MLAs sparred over the issue.
Karnataka BJP leader R. Ashoka has called out Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for his "obsession with power" and false display of B.R. Ambedkar's legacy. He claims that the Congress party, which Siddaramaiah is a part of, has a history of betraying Ambedkar and his principles. Ashoka also highlights the government's lack of accountability and failure to address serious issues during the Belagavi session, and urges for the fulfillment of promises instead of false displays of respect for Ambedkar.
S.M. Krishna, a veteran politician and former Chief Minister of Karnataka, passed away on Tuesday. He is hailed for his contributions to the state, including the launch of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme and the Yashasvini health insurance scheme. His foresight and leadership in the political arena are remembered by all, including current CM Siddaramaiah who was once a member of a party founded by S.M. Krishna. As a leader who served in all four legislative bodies and held various important positions, his legacy continues to shape Karnataka.
The Karnataka government has sent a proposal to the Governor to reconsider the prosecution of former Chief Minister and senior BJP leader B.S. Yediyurappa in the Bengaluru Development Authority case. This move is likely to spark a controversy as the Chief Minister and his ministers are already in a confrontational mode following the Governor's consent for prosecution in a different case. The complaint against Yediyurappa was filed by social activist T.J. Abraham, who also happens to be one of the petitioners seeking prosecution against CM Siddaramaiah.
The Karnataka government has sent a proposal to the Governor to reconsider the prosecution of former Chief Minister and BJP leader B.S. Yediyurappa in the Bengaluru Development Authority case, causing controversy. Social activist T.J. Abraham, who also petitioned against current CM Siddaramaiah in another case, filed the initial complaint against Yediyurappa and his family for alleged corruption. Despite this, the Governor rejected the request for prosecution, though the complaint contains serious allegations against Yediyurappa and his family members.
Senior BJP Leader M. P. Renukacharya has released a video implicating Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan and CM Siddaramaiah in an alleged plot to reclaim Waqf properties belonging to farmers and temples. This revelation comes amidst Congress' loss of credibility ahead of by-polls and the Chief Minister's ongoing controversies involving corruption and Muslim appeasement. Renukacharya has accused Zameer of being a "religious fanatic" and questioned his actions as a minister for minorities. Zameer, on the other hand, has claimed to be acting under the orders of CM Siddaramaiah, who has allegedly instructed him to conduct annual review meetings and visit every district to reclaim Waqf properties.
Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has expressed his confidence in becoming the Chief Minister of Karnataka again before 2028. He highlighted his previous 14-month stint as CM, promising to use his experience to deliver good governance if he gets a full five-year term. Kumaraswamy also criticized the current Congress government, urging the people to give him a chance to implement his plans for the state's prosperity.