Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has strongly criticized the BJP and JD(S) for what he calls a “conspiracy” to destabilize the Congress government, following a Karnataka High Court decision that greenlit an investigation against him in the MUDA land allotment case. In a press conference, Siddaramaiah attributed the case to “revenge politics” orchestrated by the BJP and its ally JD(S), but firmly stated that he will not step down from his position.
High Court Ruling and Allegations
The Karnataka High Court dismissed Siddaramaiah’s petition challenging the governor’s sanction for a probe into the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land case, where his wife, B M Parvathi, was alleged to have benefitted from irregular land allotments. Activists had filed complaints alleging that Siddaramaiah had used his position to secure 14 premium sites in Mysuru for his wife, fraudulently swapping lower-value property for higher-value land.
The court found enough evidence to warrant an investigation, ruling that the actions benefitted Siddaramaiah’s family directly. The chief minister has vowed to seek legal consultation on whether the probe is permissible under the law.
Siddaramaiah’s Defense
Siddaramaiah hit back at his political opponents, stating, “I will not hesitate from facing the investigation… They might have succeeded in the past, but not this time.” He emphasized his faith in the judiciary and the support of the people and Congress leadership. Addressing demands for his resignation, he countered by pointing to other politicians under investigation, including Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, who has not resigned despite facing legal issues.
Political Conspiracy Claims
Siddaramaiah accused the BJP and JD(S) of conspiring to tarnish his image and disrupt the Congress government in Karnataka. He stated, “This is a fight against the revenge politics of Narendra Modi-led BJP government.” He remains resolute in continuing his tenure, dismissing the allegations as part of a larger political ploy.
What’s Next?
While the court ruling allows for a probe into the land scam, Siddaramaiah and the Congress Party have indicated that they will explore other legal avenues, with Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed stating, “This is not the end of the road.” Meanwhile, the complainants claim they have “unshakable” documentary evidence against Siddaramaiah and are confident the investigation will further implicate him.
As the case unfolds, it sets the stage for a political and legal battle, with Siddaramaiah determined to hold his ground against what he deems a politically motivated attack.
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