Bengaluru, Aug 17 (UNI) A political storm has erupted in Karnataka following Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot’s controversial decision to sanction the prosecution of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the alleged Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam.
The move has ignited fierce debates, with the ruling Congress party and the opposition BJP clashing in what has become a high-stakes political battle.
Leading the charge for the Congress, Priyank Kharge, a prominent party leader, accused the central government of using the Governor’s office as a pawn in a larger conspiracy to destabilize the state’s democratically elected government.
“Raj Bhavan is being misused as the BJP’s tool to undermine our government,” Kharge declared. “The Constitutional head of the state is sparking a crisis to appease his political masters. But we stand firm, with the Constitution on our side.”
Congress leader Pawan Khera also weighed in, criticising the Governor’s actions and suggesting that they are politically motivated.
“The BJP’s ascent to power has led to the increasing politicisation of constitutional positions,” Khera remarked.
“Every action by the Governor now comes under scrutiny and suspicion. I believe there is nothing substantial here. It’s inappropriate to politicize trivial matters.”
Karnataka Congress MLA Ajay Dharam Singh echoed this sentiment, expressing unwavering support for Siddaramaiah. “We knew this was coming. The central government cannot digest the popularity of our chief minister. But nothing will come of it. We’re going to court, and we’re standing strong with our CM,” Singh asserted confidently.
In stark contrast, the BJP has welcomed the Governor’s decision. BJP MP Tejasvi Surya hailed it as a “significant development,” underscoring the gravity of the allegations against Siddaramaiah.
“The charges are serious,” Surya emphasized. “It’s untenable for the CM to remain in office while agencies under his control are investigating him. We hope he takes moral responsibility and resigns to ensure an impartial investigation.”
Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje added fuel to the fire by accusing Siddaramaiah of being complicit in multiple corruption cases. “The Governor has permitted the prosecution legally. Siddaramaiah is a culprit in two cases,” Karandlaje alleged.
“In the Valmiki Development Corporation, he himself admitted in the Vidhan Sabha that this corruption does not amount to Rs 187 crores but to Rs 89 crores. This money went to Telangana to fund the Congress party’s election expenses. Second is the MUDA scam in Mysuru, where his wife illegally occupied 14 sets. Ever since the acquisition in 1992, Siddaramaiah has been in a constitutional post… He should immediately resign and face the case,” she added.
As tensions escalate, the political landscape in Karnataka is fraught with uncertainty. The Governor’s decision has set the stage for a showdown that could reshape the state’s government and its future. All eyes are now on how this unfolding drama will impact the stability of Siddaramaiah’s administration and the broader political dynamics in Karnataka.
