MUDA case: Pralhad Joshi dares Siddaramaiah to face CBI or HC-monitored probe

Hubballi: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Thursday dared CM Siddaramaiah to face a CBI probe or High Court-monitored investigation if he really wants to come out clean.

Joshi told reporters that the Lokayukta police giving 'clean chit' to CM in MUDA case was expected "as police officials of the anti-graft agency were posted by CM himself".

"We had earlier said that a fair inquiry cannot be held. If CM wants an impartial probe, he should face CBI inquiry or HC-monitored probe," Joshi said.

Joshi, who holds food and public distribution portfolio, said the government had now got 'jnanodaya' (enlightenment) of buying rice from the Centre for 'Anna Bhagya' scheme, though the latter was ready to give rice 6 months ago.

Joshi said the government could not buy rice due to funds shortage. "The government decided to buy rice only after people started complaining. For some months, we had decided not to give extra rice to states due to El-Nino effect. When we were ready to give, the government did not have money to buy it," he said.