Karnataka’s New Scam Involves Alleged Misuse of Covid Funds
The ongoing MUDA scam in Karnataka has been overshadowed by fresh allegations of misappropriation of Covid funds during the BJP rule led by then Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa. A preliminary report by Justice John Michael D’Cunha was discussed by the cabinet today, raising concerns about missing funds and other irregularities.
Crucial Observations by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah
During the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah highlighted three key points from the report. The judge’s findings indicate that hundreds of crores were misappropriated. Additionally, several important files were missing despite repeated requests, adding to the seriousness of the allegations.
Covid Spending and Alleged Fund Misuse
The state spent around ₹13,000 crore on Covid-related activities, but sources suggest that nearly ₹1,000 crore may have been siphoned off. While no official figures have been confirmed, these allegations have raised serious concerns about how funds were managed during the pandemic.
Report Timeline and Next Steps
The final report is expected within the next six months, with the government extending the committee’s tenure to allow for a thorough investigation. The interim report, spanning 1,000 pages, will be reviewed by officials and submitted to the government within a month.
Political Reactions and “Scam vs. Scam” Allegations
Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil addressed the allegations of “scam versus scam,” calling it unfortunate that important reports are framed in this light. He pointed out that the Cunha committee was formed a year ago, long before the MUDA scam came to light.
Impact on Congress and BJP
The Cunha report is seen as a potential advantage for Congress and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The BJP has been attempting to corner Siddaramaiah over the MUDA scam, which involves irregularities in land allocation by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA). Allegations suggest that land given to BM Parvathi, Siddaramaiah’s wife, exceeded the value of the land exchanged.
As the investigations continue, both the Covid fund misappropriation and the MUDA scam are likely to shape the political landscape in Karnataka.
