Senior Congress leader and former Speaker KB Koliwad has expressed concerns regarding the impact of the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case on the Congress party’s prospects in the upcoming elections in Haryana. Speaking to the media in Bengaluru on October 8, Koliwad stated that the MUDA scam has emerged as a significant issue during the election campaign, adversely affecting the party's image.
Koliwad reiterated his earlier call for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to resign and face the investigation related to the MUDA case, emphasising that his statement was made in the interest of the Congress party.
He affirmed, “I can’t take back my statement that CM Siddaramaiah should resign and face the investigation. I made the statement in the interest of the Congress party.”
While Koliwad acknowledged his position as a senior leader within the Congress, he maintained that he is not engaged in active politics but is focused on preserving the party’s interests.
He dismissed any suggestions that the All India Congress Committee (AICC) leadership would issue a warning to him, stating, “I am friends with AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge. I have given my opinion.”
Addressing another issue, Koliwad criticised the Kantharaj Commission’s report on caste census, asserting that the report is scientific and should not be delayed. He voiced his support for the implementation of the caste census, highlighting that it details various sub-castes.
On September 26, Koliwad, who is also the President of the Karnataka Congress Disciplinary Committee, publicly stated that CM Siddaramaiah should step down to prevent potential embarrassment for the party due to the MUDA case.
He acknowledged Siddaramaiah’s contributions and support from 136 MLAs but maintained that resigning would be in the best interest of the Congress party at this juncture.
Koliwad concluded by expressing confidence that CM Siddaramaiah would ultimately be vindicated in the investigation and could return to his position, stating that it would be best for him to step down temporarily to protect the party’s reputation.
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