Mysuru’s Dark Secret Exposed: Drug Bust Sparks Political Firestorm as Ashoka Slams Siddaramaiah’s ‘Mafia Haven
The discovery of a drug unit in Mysuru has resulted in an intense political firestorm in Karnataka. In particular, Leader of Opposition R Ashoka has accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of allowing the drug mafia to operate without consequences in the state. On July 27, 2025, Maharashtra Police conducted a raid with Mysuru City Police assistance that led to uncovering of a large synthetic drug lab operating along Bannimantap Ring Road. The police seized 11 kilograms of MDMA powder and an additional 50 kilograms in a liquid form largely worth several crores of rupees. The operation led to police uncovering a sophisticated drug interception point and now has been used as a springboard for consecutive accusations against the state’s Home Department and Siddaramaiah for fostering an environment for crime to occur in the Chief Minister’s home district.
Ashoka, a leading BJP party leader, expressed his displeasure fully in an incendiary attack, and was very blunt when discussing the functioning (or dysfunction) of Karnataka’s Home Department under Siddaramaiah as Minister. Speaking to reporters on July 28, he stated that until recently Mysuru – known for being the cultural capital of Karnataka – was now the hub of drug profiteering as a result of the ineptitude of the state government. He called out the embarrassment of Maharashtra Police uncovering the synthetic drugs lab, and that the police had to obtain information about it not by questioning the locals, but from drug peddler detained in Mumbai, Salim Imtiyaz Shaikh.
Ashoka demanded answers about who owns the facility, who supplied the land, and how a multi-crore drug business can prosper under the radar. He derisively stated that Siddaramaiah’s “gift” to Mysuru is a contribution to the drug mafia, but not in building or developing the city. This assessment was echoed by Mysuru MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, who expressed surprise and called for swift measures to protect the city’s moral fabric.
The Congress Government of Karnataka’s pressure increased over this incident. Home Minister G Parameshwara acknowledged lapses, noting that the jurisdictional police had no idea of the drug factory until outside intervention forced their hand. He instructed the police to treat drug-related issues with `priority’, and Mysuru City Police Commissioner Seema Latkar took action with a midnight combing operation in 59 city locations. After the shocking discovery of the drug lab, the suspension of police is obviously necessary. Inspector Laxmikant Talwar for dereliction of duty highlighted the need for local oversight issues. But the allegations by Ashoka go beyond this incident, referencing a trend of negligence including a previous drug bust involving an alleged associate of Minister Priyank Kharge in Kalaburagi, further supporting Ashoka’s concerns about systemic issues with governance.
The political pressure is magnified by Siddaramaiah’s previous tenure, which has already been rocked by scandals including the MUDA scam. Ashoka’s observations are well grounded in public anger and discontentment that was evident on X and in numerous posts specifically pointing to lapses in law and order under Congress. The opposition’s narrative has positioned Siddaramaiah, and Congress, more focused on power dynamics than governance, and Ashoka, joined by internal rifts in Congress, named AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar. So, this scandal raises serious concerns, both for the safety of residents, and for the future direction of governance in Karnataka. You can get information about this developing story from The Hindu or India Today as sources, but you will want to follow reputable news organizations.
