In a move that has stirred political controversy in Karnataka, Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot on Saturday granted permission to prosecute Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over alleged irregularities in land allotment by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA). The state government has called the decision “unconstitutional” and a violation of established protocols.
The allegations revolve around claims that MUDA, in 2021, allocated sites to the chief minister’s wife in exchange for land acquired from her in Mysuru. The Governor’s secretariat, in a six-page communication dated August 17, informed the Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh of the decision, which was based on petitions filed by social activists from Bengaluru and Mysuru.
State revenue minister Krishna Byre Gowda argued that the Governor’s sanction is illegal, stating, “The sanction can be granted if the investigating officer seeks permission when prima facie there is an actual commission of offence.” The decision comes ahead of a special court hearing on August 20 related to the case.
Siddaramaiah, however, has ruled out resigning and vowed to wage a legal battle against what he termed an “unconstitutional move.” He alleged a broader conspiracy involving the BJP, JD(S), and certain Karnataka leaders to destabilize his government.
Background of the Allegations
The allegations against Siddaramaiah center on the claim that he misused his office to unlawfully acquire 14 plots in the Vijayanagar area of Mysuru, which were of a higher value than the properties his wife gave as part of the exchange. The Governor remarked, “I am satisfied that sanction can be accorded against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on the allegations.” In his sanction order, Governor Gehlot justified his decision by stating that the evidence supporting the allegations “prima facie” indicated the commission of offences.
Political Reactions
The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has demanded Siddaramaiah’s resignation to ensure a transparent investigation. State BJP president BY Vijayendra stated, “Given the substantial evidence and serious allegations of corruption and favoritism within the Congress government, it is crucial that the chief minister steps down.”
In response, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar ruled out the possibility of Siddaramaiah resigning, saying, “There is a conspiracy to misuse the Governor’s office to destabilize the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government in Karnataka.”
Revenue Minister Gowda emphasized that the Governor’s sanction could only be granted when sought by an investigation agency, adding, “The prosecution sanction is totally illegal. It is a completely illegal order issued by the Governor.”
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