'Entire Cabinet with me': Siddaramaiah reacts to governor's prosecution sanction
What's the story
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has reacted to the prosecution sanction issued against him in connection with the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment scam. He stated, "The entire Cabinet, party high command, all MLAs, MLCs, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs are with me." The Karnataka government has also indicated its intention to challenge the governor's decision in the high court.
Solidarity pledge
Deputy CM Shivakumar pledges support to Siddaramaiah
Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar, has also expressed his support for Siddaramaiah. He stated, "We stand with CM Siddaramaiah. The party, the high command the entire state and the Cabinet stand with him." "Whatever notice and sanction has been given is against the law. We have made all our preparations to fight it legally, this is nothing but a clear conspiracy against backward-class CM Siddaramaiah who is running the government for the second time."
Resignation demand
BJP demands Siddaramaiah's resignation for impartial investigation
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been applying pressure on Siddaramaiah, demanding his resignation to ensure an unbiased investigation into the alleged MUDA scam. BJP MP Tejasvi Surya stated that the CM "must resign to make way for an impartial investigation." "The investigating agencies will now have to start the process of prosecution. Needless to say, one cannot expect the CM to continue in office while agencies reporting to him are investigating charges against him," he stated.
Scam details
Allegations against Siddaramaiah in MUDA scam
Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot approved the prosecution after petitions by three activists: Pradeep Kumar, TJ Abraham, and Snehamayi Krishna. Abraham filed a case with the Lokayukta police last month, alleging that the allotment of 14 alternate plots in an upscale Mysuru suburb to Siddaramaiah's wife Parvathi was illegal, resulting in a ₹45 crore loss for the exchequer. The complaint named Siddaramaiah, his wife, their son S Yathindra, and senior MUDA officials.