Karnataka: 'Cash-for-Transfer Scam', Says Opposition; CM Siddaramaiah Bats For Son

In a recent development, the Janata Dal (Secular) JD(S) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have jointly launched an attack on the Congress government in Karnataka, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, citing a "cash-for-transfer scam."

The allegations emerged following the circulation of a video featuring Yathindra Siddaramaiah, the Chief Minister's son, discussing a mysterious "list" on various social media platforms.

The video captures a conversation between Yathindra Siddaramaiah and his father, where Yathindra is heard expressing confusion about a list. Specifically, he mentions, "Vivekananda… where? I have not given that," and later in the conversation, "Who is this Mahadev? I have given only five."

The government, however, vehemently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the list in question pertained to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds earmarked for school renovations in the Varuna constituency, represented by Siddaramaiah.

In response to media inquiries, both Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar dismissed the allegations. Siddaramaiah defended the video, stating, "It was related to CSR funds to repair school buildings. Does five names mean transfer?" He went on to challenge that if the accusations of a "cash-for-transfer" scam were proven, he would take political retirement.

Shivakumar supported the government's stance, explaining that Yathindra, a former MLA and chairman of Ashraya Samithi, had been overseeing the renovation projects. He clarified, "Someone else changed the names of the schools, and locals had complained."

JD(S) leader and former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy, who shared a clip of the video, insisted that the conversation pointed to a "cash-for-transfer" scam. He posted the same on social media, accusing the father-son duo of turning the Chief Minister's Office into a platform for extortion.

During a media briefing, Kumaraswamy demanded details of the list discussed in the video, questioning, "What more proof do we need?" He urged the government to release the list to put an end to the controversy.

The BJP also weighed in on the controversy, with former deputy chief minister Dr C N Ashwath Narayan highlighting Yathindra's apparent interference in government affairs. He alleged, "Despite past complaints, interference has continued."

This incident marks the second time Yathindra Siddaramaiah has found himself at the center of controversy. In a video from September, he was heard suggesting that iron boxes and cookers were distributed to certain community members as part of a pre-election strategy.

The unfolding situation has put the Karnataka Congress government in a challenging position, facing allegations of impropriety and corruption.