Siddaramaiah MUDA case: Decoding Congress high command's silence on crisis in Karnataka

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah

The Congress high command has neither openly supported Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah nor criticized Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot's decision, since the party is in a tricky situation as demands for his resignation are growing. Reports suggest even some Congress members are waiting for party's clarity on the matter.

Party's Karnataka incharge Randeep Surjewala spoke to Siddaramaiah on Tuesday following the court's verdict, advising caution. While Siddaramaiah has rejected opposition calls for his resignation, the Congress vowed to fight "legally and politically" against what it described as the Centre's "nefarious motives."

The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday upheld the Governor's decision to allow an investigation into Siddaramaiah's involvement in the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case.

Is Congress considering a leadership change? At a time when the party is seeing renewed momentum nationally and ahead of several state elections, any decision regarding Siddaramaiah's position could have significant consequences.

Removing a popular leader like Siddaramaiah could lead to backlash from legislators loyal to him, with some leaders citing the BJP's removal of BS Yediyurappa as a factor in their defeat in the last assembly election. However, if the party doesn't take action, it risks criticism for appearing passive in the face of corruption allegations.

Leaders from the INDI alliance, including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, have also questioned Congress's silence on the issue.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha opposition leader Rahul Gandhi have remained silent on the matter. Both leaders are expected to call Siddaramaiah to the capital soon, according to reports. However, some within the party feel the lack of a clear stance is causing confusion.

State government spokesperson Priyank Kharge clarified that the party is neither silent nor inactive. He has categorically said that the question of Siddaramaiah’s resignation doesn’t arise, accusing the Centre of using constitutional institutions to push political agendas, as seen in other non-NDA ruled states like Delhi and Jharkhand.