Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah firmly stated on Friday that he will not step down over the allegations surrounding the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land allotment scam. The CM dismissed demands for his resignation, accusing the opposition of attempting to destabilize his government.
Opposition’s Alleged Political Maneuvering
Speaking to reporters, Siddaramaiah argued that the resignation calls were politically motivated. “I will not resign. HD Kumaraswamy is a minister who is on bail after an FIR was lodged against him. This is all a ploy to destabilize our government,” he said. He further mentioned the failed “Operation Lotus,” and highlighted that his government has the support of 136 legislators. “They [the opposition] formed governments without a mandate twice; did Yediyurappa win? We will fight this legally,” he added.
Government Response: Open to Investigation
Senior minister Priyank Kharge supported the Chief Minister, challenging the opposition to produce evidence of corruption in the MUDA case. Kharge emphasized that the government had established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by a retired judge to probe the matter. “The CM is clear; he’s open to investigation. BJP is free to submit any evidence they have to the SIT or the Lokayukta,” Kharge stated.
BJP’s Accusations of Corruption
Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari accused Siddaramaiah of admitting guilt in the MUDA scam. Bhandari claimed that the Karnataka High Court found that the CM was involved in granting undue benefits worth Rs. 55 crore to his family through MUDA land allotments. “The CM has revoked the CBI’s general consent to avoid an independent investigation,” he alleged, labeling Siddaramaiah as corrupt and blaming Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for promoting corrupt individuals within the party.
The controversy escalated on Wednesday when a Special Court in Bengaluru directed the Karnataka Lokayukta to investigate Siddaramaiah in connection with alleged illegal land allotments made by MUDA to his wife, Parvathi, worth Rs. 56 crore. The order came after the Karnataka High Court upheld the Governor’s sanction for investigating the Chief Minister.
