Bengaluru: The political landscape in Karnataka has been stirred by the arrest of Rajarajeshwari Nagar MLA Munirathna, entangled in a case involving caste abuse and alleged death threats. The arrest has sparked controversy, with opposition leader R. Ashoka vehemently criticising the move, suggesting that the arrest was premeditated by the Home Minister.
Ashoka raised concerns about the timing of the arrest, stating, “Why arrest him Saturday, just before a three-day court closure? This is planned.” Ashoka questioned the urgency behind Munirathna’s arrest in Kolar, remarking that standard legal procedures, such as serving a notice, were bypassed. “Munirathna wasn’t absconding. That audio clip should have been sent to forensic labs first. Why file the complaint only Friday?” he questioned, calling the entire episode a political maneuver driven by “hatred.”
Chaluvaraju, the complainant in the case, had earlier mentioned a connection between his allegations and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s visit. “What does the common man have to do with a CM’s appointment?” he asked, alleging that the complaint was orchestrated. Chaluvaraju further claimed that the Home Minister, in a premeditated move, planned to jail Munirathna. He pointed to this being a part of a larger conspiracy to tarnish Munirathna’s image.
Ashoka, speaking on the matter, implied that the whole situation was politically motivated, particularly accusing the ruling government of trying to hide other issues like the recent unrest in Nagamangala. “This is just a tactic to divert attention. Senior leaders like Parameshwar should know better than to engage in this behavior,” Ashoka remarked. He added that if Munirathna was truly guilty of any wrongdoing, the party would not hesitate to hold him accountable. “I have been in touch with party leaders. We will assess the party’s stance and decide how to proceed,” Ashoka said.
At the center of the controversy is an audio clip allegedly featuring Munirathna verbally abusing contractor Chaluvaraju in connection to a waste disposal contract. The clip has sparked two FIRs against Munirathna, registered at the Vayalikaval police station in Bengaluru. In a public statement, Munirathna denied the allegations, stating, “If it is proven that the voice in the audio is mine, I will resign as MLA.” He further claimed that Chaluvaraju had been loyal to him for years and had even praised him a month prior. “Why is he accusing me of asking for money now?” Munirathna questioned.
The arrest of the BJP MLA took place in Nangali village, located in the Mulbagilu taluk of Kolar district. The incident has reverberated through the party ranks, leading the BJP State Disciplinary Committee to issue a show cause notice to Munirathna. The notice highlights the adverse impact the controversy has had on the party’s discipline and requests Munirathna to clarify his position within five days.
The unfolding drama has ignited intense political debate in the state, with the BJP asserting that this is part of a larger conspiracy against their leadership. Munirathna’s fate hangs in the balance as the party and the state await further developments in the case.
