Pralhad Joshi Criticizes Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Over Alleged MUDA Scam

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi criticizes Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah regarding the alleged MUDA scam, comparing Congress party's actions to those of Kejriwal. A 'Raj Bhavan Chalo' protest was held by Congress against the Karnataka Governor’s prosecution permission. Karnataka's High Court has stalled any immediate action pending further hearings.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Sunday criticized Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over the alleged Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam, stating that the Congress party's behavior mirrors that of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. 'It is up to him (Siddaramaiah) to continue as CM even with cases against him,' Joshi remarked.

BJP leader Joshi further stressed that the government is committed to combating corruption. 'We are fighting against corruption. We wanted this government (Siddaramaiah government) to continue for five years,' he added.

On Saturday, the Congress held a 'Raj Bhavan Chalo' protest against Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, who sanctioned the prosecution of CM Siddaramaiah in the alleged MUDA scam. The Congress accused the Governor of discriminatory behavior, alleging that he has delayed decisions on several other cases pending before him.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar led the march to Raj Bhavan, accompanied by legislators carrying placards with slogans. The march started at the Gandhi statue near Vidhana Soudha and concluded at Raj Bhavan, where Congress submitted an appeal to the Governor. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara, who joined the protest, said, 'We are protesting the Governor's prosecution permission for CM Siddaramaiah. There are other cases pending, but no decisions have been made on them. Our demand is for equal consideration.'

Earlier, the Karnataka High Court directed the concerned trial court to refrain from taking precipitative action against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah based on the Governor's sanction until the next hearing. A complaint was earlier filed by social activist Snehamayi Krishna against the Karnataka CM and nine others for allegedly forging documents to claim compensation from the Mysuru Urban Development Authority.

(With inputs from agencies.)