MUDA 'scam' case: Congress rallies behind CM Siddaramaiah after Governor's sanction, says DK Shivakumar

DK Shivakumar accused the central BJP government of manipulating the Governor's office to advance its political agenda, targeting Siddaramaiah (PTI Photo)

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar reaffirmed the Congress party's full support for Siddaramaiah amid the controversy following the Governor's approval to investigate the Chief Minister in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land 'scam' case. Speaking at a press conference on August 17, Shivakumar asserted that there is no question of Siddaramaiah stepping down and accused the BJP of orchestrating a conspiracy to destabilize the state government.

"The entire Congress party and the government stand behind Siddaramaiah. He will continue as our Chief Minister and will not succumb to any pressure," Shivakumar declared, surrounded by his cabinet colleagues at Vidhana Soudha.

Earlier, Siddaramaiah has strongly criticised the Governor's decision to grant permission to prosecute him in connection with the MUDA land case. Siddaramaiah termed Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot's decision "totally unconstitutional" and vowed to challenge it legally.

Shivakumar condemned the Governor's decision to grant sanction for prosecution as "anti-constitutional". He pointed out that despite Siddaramaiah submitting a detailed response to the Governor's showcause notice on August 1, the Governor proceeded with granting the inquiry without a preliminary investigation, which Shivakumar described as a blatant violation of legal protocol.

Also Read: All about the MUDA ‘scam’ that rocked Karnataka assembly

Shivakumar accused the central BJP government of manipulating the Governor's office to advance its political agenda, targeting Siddaramaiah, a leader from the backward classes, who has risen to the chief ministership for a second time. "The Governor's office should not become a puppet of the BJP. Our government, which spends Rs 56,000 crores annually on welfare projects, is being targeted by these conspiracies. But this government will not be removed for any reason," Shivakumar stated.

Shivakumar cited similar instances in other states, including West Bengal, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, where issues regarding the Governor's conduct have sparked controversy.

He also highlighted previous cases involving other political figures where inquiries were handled with due process, contrasting them with the action taken against Siddaramaiah.