Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Faces Intensified Opposition Demands for Resignation Amid MUDA Scam Probe

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is under mounting pressure from BJP and JDS leaders to resign and face a CBI inquiry into the MUDA scam. The opposition accused him of lacking moral integrity and questioned the impartiality of any government-led investigation.

On Thursday morning, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah refrained from commenting on the ongoing protests by BJP and JDS leaders within the Vidhana Soudha premises. They are demanding his resignation and a CBI inquiry into the MUDA scam. The Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R Ashoka, emphasized that the high court has referred to the incident as a scandal, and not any political party.

'The High Court has already said it is a scandal,' Ashoka remarked. 'That is why we are demanding the resignation of the CM.' He further asserted that a CBI inquiry is necessary, questioning the impartiality of an investigation led by government-appointed police officers.

'The government is appointing the police officer, so how can an inquiry be independent? The Lokayukta is independent, but the officer will not be,' Ashoka noted. BJP leader Y A Narayanaswamy stated that the Chief Minister lacks the moral right to remain in office amidst the inquiry.

'There is no denying the need for an inquiry; it must be conducted. When the CM himself is being investigated, he should not have the moral right to continue in his position. Despite demands for his resignation over the past two days, the CM bluntly refuses, which is unbecoming of Siddaramaiah,' Narayanaswamy argued. Calling the MUDA scandal the most significant in Karnataka's history, BJP leader Arvind Bellad added, 'This is the biggest scam Karnataka has seen. Any dignified person would have resigned by now. But Siddaramaiah is acting as if nothing has happened.'

Bellad reiterated the demand for a CBI inquiry, emphasizing that only an independent agency like the CBI can ensure a fair investigation, free from Congress government influence. 'The CM is so thick-skinned, he is refusing to resign despite the enormity of this scam,' Bellad said.

On Wednesday, following an order by the Special Court for elected representatives for an investigation by the Mysuru Lokayukta, Siddaramaiah declared his intention to fight the charges legally. 'I am ready to face the investigation and continue the legal fight. As I said yesterday, I repeat today: there is no question of fearing an investigation; I am determined to face everything,' Siddaramaiah posted on X.

(With inputs from agencies.)