On Friday, the Karnataka government announced its decision to withdraw open consent for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct inquiries within the state. Law Minister HK Patil highlighted concerns regarding the perceived "biased" actions of the CBI, which the opposition alleges are directed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to target its leaders, especially ahead of upcoming elections.

Patil clarified that the withdrawal is not related to the ongoing land scam allegations against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. "We are expressing our concerns about the misuse of the agency. They are biased... that is why we are taking this decision," he stated. The minister pointed out that in various cases referred to the CBI by the state, the agency has failed to file chargesheets, leaving numerous cases unresolved.

With this move, Karnataka joins a list of opposition-ruled states, including West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, that have similarly revoked consent for the CBI. This revocation means that the CBI will now require written consent from the state government for any investigations, as stipulated by the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act.

The tension between opposition states and the BJP-led central government has escalated, with allegations that the CBI is being used as a political tool. In response to these actions, the central government has criticized the states for limiting the agency's investigative powers.

Compounding the political atmosphere, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is facing legal challenges related to the Mysuru Urban Development Authority land scam, following a trial court's order. The BJP and its ally, the Janata Dal Secular, have intensified calls for Siddaramaiah's resignation, which he has firmly resisted, asserting his innocence after a long political career.