Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje has called for the immediate resignation of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah following the recent decision by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot to grant permission for his prosecution in connection with the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam. The announcement was made on August 17, 2024.
Addressing the media, Karandlaje stated, “The Governor has granted permission for prosecution… In the MUDA case, his wife illegally purchased 24 plots. I demand his resignation as he must confront this case.”
Karandlaje also alleged that Siddaramaiah is implicated in another major scandal, the Valmiki Development Corporation scam. She emphasized, “He admitted during the Assembly session that corruption of ₹89 crore took place. Where did this money end up? It was funneled into the Congress’s account for the Telangana election. This is our poor people’s money.”
An official order from the Karnataka Governor’s Secretariat has confirmed that permission to prosecute Siddaramaiah under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and additional legislation has been granted, citing the allegations detailed in various petitions.
In response, Siddaramaiah asserted, “The Governor’s permission for prosecution is unconstitutional. The Governor should represent the Constitution but is instead acting on behalf of the Central Government and the BJP.”
Additionally, a complaint has been lodged by social activist Snehamayi Krishna against Siddaramaiah and several others, accusing them of falsifying documents to claim compensation from the Mysuru Urban Development Authority.
Earlier this month, Siddaramaiah defended himself, stating, “In the case of MUDA, everything was done legally. I did not influence the allotment of the plot. My wife received a replacement plot in 2021, during the BJP government, in accordance with the law.”
