‘Biased approach,’ Karnataka withdraws general consent to CBI for probing cases in state

Karnataka government withdrew open consent to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct inquiries in the state, alleging that the bureau was functioning in a "motivated matter" and had a "biased approach".

The government announced the decision during a cabinet meetingchaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

The opposition claimed that the CBI was ordered by the Bharatiya Janata Party to target its leaders, especially before the elections. It further ruled out any link to Mysuru Urban Development Authority, or MUDA, land scam allegations againstChief Minister Siddaramaiah.

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Law Minister HK Patil said that it was not prompted by the Karnataka High Court's ruling upholding Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot’s probe sanction against the CM in the MUDA site allotment case.

"We are withdrawing open consent for CBI investigation in the state. We are expressing our concerns about the misuse of the agency. They are biased... that is why are taking this decision," Patil said.

"This is not because of MUDA (land scam)..." Patil said at a press briefing, stressing, "Whole Cabinet expresses solidarity with Chief Minister...we have encouraged him to fight back."

"In all cases, we have referred to the CBI, they have not filed chargesheets...leaving many cases pending. They also refused to investigate the cases we sent. There are numerous such instances."

Patil stressed that this is meant to "control them (the CBI) from taking the wrong path".

“The Governor, who is the highest authority in the state, has upheld a false allegation against the state government. Where are the documents to show the involvement of the CM in the MUDA case?” he said.

Why did the government decideto withdraw consent?

Patil said that the CBI and Centre have not been judiciously using their instrumentalities. "So, case-by-case, we will verify and give (consent) to the CBI, general consent has been withdrawn.”

He noted that “in the case of the CM, the court has directed a Lokayukta inquiry. The question of the withdrawal of general consent to the CBI is not linked to the MUDA case.”

Watch |India: Karnataka Governor approves prosecution of CM Siddaramaiah in MUDA ‘scam’

“Over the last 18 months or so, the CBI has been functioning in a motivated manner. Only office-bearers of one party are facing a probe. This shows a biased approach,” he said.

With this decision, Karnataka has now joined the Opposition-ruled states, including Punjab, Jharkhand, Kerala, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Mizoram, Telangana, Meghalaya and Tamil Nadu, which have withdrawn general consent in the past.

CM Siddaramaiah faces 'quit' calls from his party

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has been facing demands from the opposition as well as his party to resign after a trial court ordered filing of charges in connection with the alleged MUDA land scam.

KB Koliwad, a five-time MLA and former Assembly Speaker, has suggested Siddaramaiah step down to avoid any further embarrassment to the party.

"He can be Chief Minister again after he clears this blemish... this is my personal request," the Congress leader said.

"... this is what I think. There are two judgments...one by the High Court and the other by the people's court. Under such circumstances, this situation is being utilised by the opposition parties. Yesterday itself, Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) spoke in Haryana," he said.

"So, to avoid this, I request the Chief Minister to resign. After he clears this blemish, he can return... after all, he is supported by all MLAs and Congress high command," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)