On Monday, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah filed a petition with the Karnataka High Court challenging Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot’s recent decision to sanction his prosecution in connection with the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) ‘scam.’
Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Siddaramaiah, argued that the sanction order from the Governor is flawed and part of a deliberate attempt to undermine the democratically elected government of Karnataka for political motives.
In a statement earlier today, Siddaramaiah expressed confidence that the court would grant him relief. He asserted, “I have done nothing wrong. The writ petition seeks an injunction against the prosecution as interim relief. With eminent lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi arguing the case, I am confident that my conscience, clear of any wrongdoing, will be vindicated. Throughout my 40-year political career, I have maintained a clean record, and I am committed to serving the people with integrity. The people of Karnataka know my track record well, and I am assured of receiving justice from the court.”
In response to protests by the BJP calling for his resignation, Siddaramaiah accused the BJP, JDS, and the central government of conspiring against him through the Raj Bhavan. He claimed these actions were intended to tarnish his reputation and destabilize his government. “The BJP’s protests are driven by malice. We will confront this challenge both legally and politically. This is a continuation of ongoing political struggles, and I am prepared to fight with renewed determination,” Siddaramaiah said.
Amid the opposition’s growing calls for his resignation, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar denounced the allegations as part of a conspiracy to misuse the Governor’s office to destabilize Siddaramaiah’s Congress-led government. “There is no question of the Chief Minister resigning. Our entire party and the government stand firmly behind him,” Shivakumar declared during a press conference at Vidhana Soudha, alongside his Cabinet colleagues.
The controversy began with a complaint filed by social activist Snehamayi Krishna, accusing Siddaramaiah and nine others of falsifying documents to secure compensation from the Mysuru Urban Development Authority.
