Priyank calls for probe against state BJP chief

BENGALURU: Karnataka information technology minister Priyank Kharge on Monday called for an investigation into allegations that BJP state president BY Vijayendra attempted to bribe Anwar Manippady, former Karnataka state minorities commission chairman, with ₹150 crore to suppress a report on Waqf property encroachments.

- HT Correspondent

The controversy revolves around a report on Waqf land encroachments, detailing irregularities valued at an estimated ₹2.3 lakh crore. The report, commissioned in 2012-13 during the BJP government, was submitted in 2016 but rejected by the next government led by the Congress. Kharge, speaking to reporters, presented videos showing Manippady accusing Vijayendra of attempting to silence him in the past.

"This is not an allegation made by the Congress. These claims were made by a BJP appointee who served as the head of the minorities commission. Let there be a thorough investigation. If the BJP has nothing to hide, they should welcome it," he said.

The allegations resurfaced last Friday when Kharge raised the issue in the Karnataka assembly, accusing Vijayendra of offering the bribe. In response, Vijayendra on Monday denied the claims, calling them baseless and challenging chief minister Siddaramaiah to initiate a central bureau of investigation (CBI) inquiry.