Karnataka Governor Sanctions Prosecution of CM Siddaramaiah Over MUDA 'Scam'

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot sanctioned the prosecution of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah related to the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment 'scam'. The Karnataka Cabinet condemned the decision, viewing it as politically motivated, while the BJP reiterated its demand for Siddaramaiah's resignation to ensure a transparent investigation.

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Saturday accorded sanction for the prosecution of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in connection with the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment 'scam', delivering a major blow to the nearly 15-month-old Congress government.

Hours later, the Karnataka Cabinet, in a specially convened meeting led by Siddaramaiah, condemned the Governor's decision, terming it 'politically motivated', and vowed to wage a legal fight. The Chief Minister, with cabinet and party support, questioned why he should resign, claiming the Governor acted like a 'puppet' in the hands of the central government.

Sanctioned under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act and Section 218 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, the move by the Governor paves the way for investigation into allegations that compensatory sites were unlawfully allotted to Siddaramaiah's wife. BJP leaders alleged the scam's magnitude was between Rs 4,000 crore to Rs 5,000 crore.

(With inputs from agencies.)