MYSURU: In a controversy that has rocked Karnataka, allegations are surfacing that the Congress government, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, is systematically targeting RTI activists to suppress dissent and safeguard the Chief Minister from corruption charges. The escalation follows explosive revelations in the MUDA (Mysore Urban Development Authority) scam, which implicates high-ranking officials and political figures, including the Chief Minister himself.
RTI Activist Becomes the Target
Snehamai Krishna, a prominent RTI activist who has exposed alleged corrupt practices in the allotment of replacement sites by MUDA, has now become the focal point of Congress’s ire. Krishna has filed multiple complaints, including one that implicates Siddaramaiah’s wife, Parvati, in receiving illegal benefits from MUDA.
KPCC spokesperson M. Laxman recently filed a police complaint against Krishna, accusing him of spreading misinformation and defaming the Chief Minister. “Snehamai Krishna is a rowdy-sheeter with 44 cases filed against him. He is deliberately releasing false documents on social media to malign Siddaramaiah and disrupt societal harmony,” Laxman alleged during a press conference in Mysuru.
Laxman also warned of protests if Krishna is not arrested immediately. “If action is not taken by tomorrow morning, we will organize an indefinite dharna outside the police station,” he declared.
Fabricated Charges to Muzzle Activists?
In his defense, Krishna claimed the accusations are baseless and part of a larger strategy to intimidate and silence whistleblowers. “I am fighting a legal battle against corruption that benefits the elite at the expense of the common man. Congress is using its power to suppress my voice and shield the Chief Minister,” Krishna said in a fiery response.
He went on to accuse the Congress government of weaponising state machinery to target activists. “They are manufacturing false cases against me. Out of the 44 cases they allege, only 24 are real, and those too were filed by Congress workers to derail my efforts. The other 20 are fabricated to tarnish my reputation,” he asserted.
MUDA Scam: A Web of Corruption
The allegations against Siddaramaiah center on the illegal allotment of MUDA sites in the name of his wife, Parvati. According to Krishna, forged documents were used to claim replacement plots under false pretenses, diverting public resources for personal gain.
“In one instance, MUDA officials, under the influence of Siddaramaiah, allotted sites in a 50:50 ratio to beneficiaries tied to the Chief Minister’s circle. The public deserves to know the truth about this misuse of power,” Krishna said.
He further alleged that similar patterns of corruption have benefited other political figures. Krishna linked the illegal acquisition of 19 MUDA sites by Mahendra, a relative of JDS MLA GT Devegowda, to the same modus operandi.
“Mahendra created fake documents to show agricultural land eligibility and secured multiple sites through political influence. This shows a deep-rooted nexus between politicians and bureaucrats. The Benami Transactions Act must be invoked to uncover the truth,” Krishna added.
Lokayukta Petition Demands Transparency
Undeterred by Congress’s actions, Krishna has intensified his legal fight by filing a detailed petition with the Lokayukta. The petition includes new evidence, names of witnesses, and requests for the inclusion of additional accused in the ongoing investigation.
“I am calling for an impartial probe to expose the extent of this scam. If the Lokayukta fails to act, I will escalate the matter to the CBI. This is not just about one scam; it is about preserving the integrity of our governance,” he stated.
Activists Condemn Congress’s Intimidation Tactics
The Congress government’s alleged targeting of RTI activists has drawn sharp criticism from civil society. Prominent activists and opposition leaders have accused the party of undermining democratic accountability.
“This is a classic case of shooting the messenger. Instead of addressing corruption allegations, the Congress is resorting to intimidation tactics to protect its leaders. This attack on RTI activists is an attack on transparency and democracy itself,” said an opposition leader.
A Growing Pattern of Suppression
Opposition argue that the targeting of Krishna is not an isolated incident but part of a broader trend under Siddaramaiah’s administration. In recent years, several activists and whistleblowers who exposed corruption have faced harassment, legal cases, and public vilification.
“The Congress government has repeatedly used its power to silence social activists. This pattern of suppression highlights the party’s unwillingness to tolerate dissent or allow transparency in governance,” a political analyst remarked.
A Call for Action
As the MUDA scam continues to unravel, the pressure is mounting on Siddaramaiah and his government. Activists and opposition leaders are demanding an independent inquiry into the allegations and stronger safeguards for whistleblowers.
“The Chief Minister must step down to allow an impartial investigation. Protecting RTI activists is not just about individuals; it’s about safeguarding the democratic fabric of our state,” said a senior RTI activist.
The Congress’s alleged targeting of RTI activists like Snehamai Krishna has cast a shadow over its governance and commitment to transparency. With the MUDA scam spiraling into a major political controversy, the Siddaramaiah government faces increasing scrutiny over its handling of corruption allegations and its approach to dissent. For now, the battle between whistleblowers and the establishment appears far from over.
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