Karnataka Guv Okays CM's Prosecution: BJP Demands Siddaramaiah's Resignation, Congress Vows Legal Fight

Following the Governor’s decision for the prosecution of CM Siddaramaiah in alleged MUDA site allotment 'scam', Karnataka cabinet has convened a special meeting at 5 pm to discuss the situation.

Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao expressed confidence that the BJP's actions will lead to their political humiliation.

Source : PTI

Karnataka's political landscape has been thrown into disarray following Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot's decision to grant permission for the prosecution of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in connection with the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment 'scam'.

The move has ignited a fierce debate, with BJP leaders demanding the Chief Minister’s resignation, while members of the Congress party, including Karnataka Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, have condemned the Governor's actions as politically motivated.

BJP Demands CM's Resignation

Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje was among the first to call for Siddaramaiah's resignation, accusing him of involvement in multiple corruption cases. She said, "SIddaramaiah is a culprit in two cases. In the Valmiki Development Corporation, he himself admitted in the Vidhan Sabha that this corruption does not amount to Rs 187 crores but to Rs 89 crores... This money went to Telangana to fund the Congress party's election expenses."

"Second is the MUDA scam in Mysuru, where his wife illegally occupied 14 sets. Ever since the acquisition in 1992, Siddaramaiah has been in a constitutional post... He should immediately resign and face the case," she added.

BJP MP Tejasvi Surya echoed these sentiments emphasising the gravity of the charges against Siddaramaiah. He argued that the Chief Minister should step down to ensure an impartial investigation, stating that it is untenable for him to remain in office while facing such serious allegations.

Congress Calls It 'Unconstitutional' 

In sharp contrast, Karnataka Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao vehemently criticized the Governor's decision, calling it a "shameless step" and part of a conspiracy against Siddaramaiah. He assured that the Congress would contest the prosecution legally and would not be intimidated by what he described as politically motivated tactics.

On the issue, Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar said, "This is completely unconstitutional and against the law. There is a strong government led by CM Siddaramaiah. They (BJP) are trying to destabilise the government by using the Governor's office. This is unfortunate...My CM will not come under any pressure."

He said that there was no question of him resigning and will continue in the post. "We are all united, the entire party stands with him. He has not done anything wrong in any of his tenure. This is completely a political issue. The Governor's office has been misused by this BJP government...We will fight it legally. We have full faith in the law of this country and my government will be protected," he said.

#WATCH | On Karnataka Governor granting permission to prosecute CM Siddaramaiah in the alleged MUDA scam, Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar says, "...This is completely unconstitutional and against the law. There is a strong government led by CM Siddaramaiah. They (BJP) are… pic.twitter.com/CZDegdz83F

— ANI (@ANI) August 17, 2024

 

 

The Governor’s sanction was granted in response to petitions filed by Pradeep Kumar S P, T J Abraham, and Snehamayi Krishna, under sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and the Bharatiya Nagarika Suraksha Samhita, 2023. Following the Governor’s decision, the state cabinet has convened a special meeting at 5 pm to discuss the situation.