Protests Erupt Over Karnataka Governor's Permission to Prosecute CM Siddaramaiah

The security for Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has been fortified following intense statewide protests against his permission to prosecute Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in relation to the Mysuru Urban Development Authority site allotment scam. Gehlot has now started using a bullet-proof car, and Z-plus security measures will be implemented.

In response to intense statewide protests criticizing Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot for granting permission to prosecute Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the governor's security has been significantly tightened, according to Raj Bhavan sources on Wednesday.

Sources disclosed to PTI that the governor began using a bullet-proof car as of Tuesday morning.

"All governors are entitled to Z-plus security due to their gubernatorial roles. Until now, Governor Gehlot had not felt the need for such security but will now receive enhanced protection," a source informed PTI, suggesting that Z-Plus security for Gehlot is forthcoming.

Protests erupted across Karnataka after Gehlot authorized the investigation and prosecution of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah regarding the Mysuru Urban Development Authority site allotment scam.

Congress members held dharnas, foot marches, and rallies in district headquarters, decrying the governor and raising slogans against him, while BJP leaders demanded the chief minister's resignation through a demonstration in the capital.

The protests intensified across the state, with effigies of the governor set ablaze, and a private bus torched by protesters in Mangaluru.

During the Mangaluru protest on Monday, Congress leader Ivan D'Souza warned that Governor Gehlot might be forced to flee Raj Bhavan similar to the way deposed Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled earlier this month.

"Gehlot, get out. He has to go back. If not recalled by President Droupadi Murmu... like Bangladesh's Prime Minister departing in the dead of night... the same fate may await the governor's office," declared MLC D'Souza. Hasina, 76, resigned and fled to India on August 5 after massive student protests against a quota system in government jobs.

(With inputs from agencies.)