Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has provided the right ammunition for the newly-appointed president of the Karnataka BJP, BS Yeddyurappa.

Two major scams involving Siddaramaiah's son came to the fore this week and the BJP has launched a political campaign against him seeking a CBI probe into the cases.

Earlier this week, it was found that Matrix Imaging Solutions Ltd, in which Siddaramaiah's son Dr Yathindra S is a director, won a bid to set up a clinical laboratory and radio diagnosis and imaging services at the government-run Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI). The firm won the contract by placing the lowest bid, giving rise to suspicion.

On Friday, in another embarrassing exposure, it was revealed that the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) had allotted prime land (worth Rs 150 crore) to a firm owned by a friend of Siddaramaiah's son in contravention of rules and regulations. Siddaramaiah has claimed innocence in both the cases, but his image has severely dented.

Now, the BJP is demanding a probe by the CBI into both cases. While the government has remained silent over the tender awarded to a company owned by Siddaramaiah's son, a complaint has been filed with the Anti-Corruption Bureau by an NGO seeking a probe into the alleged preferential allotment of land. The BJP is of the view that only a probe by the CBI will ascertain the truth in both the cases.

"If Siddaramaiah is claiming that both the cases are in accordance with law, what is preventing him from handing over them to the CBI for an independent probe? Let him prove that there is no nepotism in the two cases," said former CM and Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly Jagadish Shettar.

Yeddyurappa went a step ahead and said legal action would be initiated against Siddaramaiah. The two 'scams' are likely to become the highlight of his campaign as Yeddyurappa embarks on a tour of Karnataka this week to assess the impact of drought on the state.

"This is just the tip of the iceberg. Just wait and watch? More skeletons will tumble out of Siddaramaiah's closet," the newly-appointed Karnataka BJP said. However, putting up a strong defence, the chief minister told the media on Saturday that the Congress High Command had not sought an explanation on the two deals. "These are merely speculative reports.

No one has asked for an explanation. Transparency has been upheld while awarding the contract. The BJP is day-dreaming of grabbing power by making unwanted comments," he added.

Though it is being said that Siddaramaiah's son has quit from the company that won the government tender, it will not help the Congress restore its image.

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