The allegations of graft.

The charges of graft levelled against Siddaramaiah by BS Yeddiyurappa appears to be too serious to be ignored just as politically motivated. No doubt coming from a politician who is eyeing for CMs post after next assembly election may not be devoid of political mileage. But this doesn't take away the dirt in the allegations. They are too serious to be ignored as political mudslinging. The amount mentioned in the charges is too huge. That he has took commission/bribe in steel bridge project approval needs an impartial inquiry. These allegations deserve a serious look against the backdrop of pushing/hurrying the project despite protests from the citizens and objections from the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

Against this backdrop, there is an urgent need for Siddaramaiah to come clean on this. Otherwise the crescendo will only become shriller by each passing day. And it may snowball into a movement to oust him from the throne. The native /original congressmen may be rubbing their hands in glee. And some are even baying for his blood. The seizure of large quantity of gold, cash and other unaccounted /unexplained documents from the residence of MLA close to Siddaramaiah puts the onus on him to prove his nonculpability. And the pot calling the kettle black is another matter. It should not be an excuse for wishing away the allegations.

And the centre, on its part is playing its cards well and with calculated feeding of information available with its agencies to rock the boat of Siddaramaiah. And it is breathing down the neck of Siddaramaiah. It is doing in installments not exhausting all at once. It is keeping some ammunition for and during the election campaign. It is in the act of preparing the pitch for bowling out Siddaramaiah and his team Congress.

K.N.Krishnan.