Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Condemns Governor's Move, Calls It "Anti-Constitution

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah strongly defended himself today, asserting that he has done "no wrong" following the Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot's decision to grant sanction for his prosecution in connection with the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment case. Addressing reporters, Siddaramaiah condemned the Governor's move, labeling it as "anti-Constitution" and "against the law."

Siddaramaiah emphasized his intention to challenge the Governor's decision in court, dismissing any notion of resignation as demanded by the Opposition. He confidently stated, "I have no reason to resign," and highlighted the support he has from his Cabinet, the party leadership, and fellow legislators. The senior Congress leader also accused the BJP, JD(S), and other political opponents of orchestrating a "conspiracy to dislodge a democratically elected government."

The controversy stems from petitions filed by activists Pradeep Kumar, TJ Abraham, and Snehamayi Krishna, who alleged illegalities in the allotment of 14 alternative sites in a prime Mysuru locality. According to the complaints, these sites were allotted to Siddaramaiah’s wife, BM Parvathi, during his tenure as Chief Minister, resulting in an alleged ₹45 crore loss to the state exchequer. The activists named Siddaramaiah, his wife, son S Yathindra, and senior MUDA officials in their complaints.

One specific allegation by activist Snehamayi Krishna claims that Siddaramaiah's brother-in-law, Mallikarjuna, illegally acquired the land in 2004 and registered it with forged documents, despite the land being presented as purchased in 1998. In 2014, while Siddaramaiah was Chief Minister, his wife sought compensation for this disputed land.

Siddaramaiah has maintained that the land in question was gifted to his wife by her brother in 1998, and he denies any wrongdoing. However, the Governor's sanction for prosecution has intensified the political storm, with the Opposition demanding his resignation.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has come out in strong support of Siddaramaiah, calling the prosecution sanction a "conspiracy" and vowing to fight the case both legally and politically. Shivakumar accused the opposition of targeting Siddaramaiah, particularly because he is a leader from a backward class and is currently serving as Chief Minister for the second time.

The situation has escalated tensions in Karnataka's political landscape, with the ruling party rallying behind Siddaramaiah while the opposition seeks to capitalize on the controversy. The case is likely to become a significant issue in the state's political discourse as it unfolds in both legal and public arenas.