Karnataka BJP Leaders Demand CM Siddaramaiah's Resignation Over MUDA Scam Allegations

Karnataka BJP leaders protested demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for his alleged involvement in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam. The protest followed an order from the Governor to prosecute Siddaramaiah, which was challenged by the Chief Minister in High Court.

On Monday, Karnataka BJP leaders organized a protest demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah due to his purported involvement in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam. "Today we demand CM Siddaramaiah's resignation. He has exploited the poor, prompting our protest against him and the Congress government... This government serves as the ATM for the Congress high command," stated Karnataka Assembly Leader of Opposition R Ashok.

BJP leader CT Ravi echoed the protest against the Karnataka government and CM Siddaramaiah. "There are corruption allegations against CM Siddaramaiah. Everyone is aware of the MUDA scam... The Governor has issued an order in accordance with the Constitution of India. We are here to remind Congress of their statements when they were in opposition. The Governor's position is constitutional, making it wrong to protest against his directive," said Ravi.

Earlier today, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah moved the High Court to challenge the order from Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot for his prosecution in the MUDA land scam. Siddaramaiah's writ petition seeks to annul the prosecution permission. The plea is set for a hearing by Justice Hemant Chandangoudar's single-judge bench at 2:30 pm today (Monday).

"Despite presenting all factual matters to the Governor, he sanctioned on 16.08.2024, as communicated to the Chief Secretary on 17.08.2024. The Petitioner asserts that the sanction order was issued without applying due diligence, violating statutory mandates and constitutional principles, including the binding advice of the Council of Ministers per Article 163 of the Constitution of India. The Governor's decision is legally indefensible, procedurally flawed, and influenced by extraneous factors. Thus, the Petitioner seeks to quash the impugned order dated 16.08.2024 among other reliefs," Siddaramaiah stated in his writ. The petition further requests to "Stay the impugned order dated 16.08.2024, issued by the Governor of Karnataka and communicated to the Petitioner on 17.08.2024, bearing No. GS 40 ADM 2024. Grant any other orders the Court deems fit in the interest of justice and equity," it added.

Congress leader Ramesh Babu has appealed to President Droupadi Murmu, seeking her immediate intervention to revoke the prosecution sanction against the Chief Minister. "With utmost respect and concern, I submit this memorandum to draw your immediate attention to a grave injustice and a politically motivated act by Karnataka Governor Sri Thawar Chand Gehlot that endangers our democracy and constitutional values," Babu wrote.

"The Governor of Karnataka, in an unconstitutional move, sanctioned the prosecution of our Honorable Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah. This action, taken the day after Independence Day celebrations, is not only a direct assault on the elected Karnataka government but also a calculated attempt to destabilize a government mandated by the people," he added. Following the Governor's decision, Karnataka Congress workers staged a protest.

The MUDA scam allegations arose after social activist Snehamayi Krishna filed a complaint against Siddaramaiah and nine others, accusing them of document forgery to claim compensation from MUDA. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)