In a major development, Karnataka Governor Thawarchand Gehlot on Saturday gave his nod to prosecute Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in connection with the alleged Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam.

An order dated August 17 and issued by the Karnataka Governor’s Secretariat, read, “As directed by the Hon’ble Governor, I am enclosing herewith the copy of the decision of the Competent Authority on the request of sanction for prosecution against the Chief Minister Shri. Siddaramaiah, under section 17 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and section 218 of the Bharathiya Nagarika Suraksha Samhitha, 2023 for the commission of the alleged offences mentioned in the petitions.”

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Following Governor Gehlot’s nod to Siddaramaiah’s prosecution, the Karnataka government has reportedly decided to challenge it in the high court.

Terming the Governor’s decision “anti-Constitution” and “against the law”, Siddaramaiah said, “It will be questioned in court. I have done no wrong to resign.”

Despite growing demands for his resignation from the opposition, he reassured his supporters, stating, “The entire Cabinet, party high command, all MLAs, MLCs, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs are with me.”

He further described the move as part of a “conspiracy to dislodge a democratically elected government by the BJP, JD(S), and others.”

The allegations against Siddaramaiah pertain to the allotment of 14 housing sites in Mysuru, including one to his wife, as well as the alleged misappropriation of Rs 89.73 crore from a state development corporation intended for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes. This has drawn severe criticism from opposition parties in the state.

The controversy began earlier this year when social activist Snehamayi Krishna filed a complaint accusing Siddaramaiah and nine others of forging documents to claim compensation from MUDA.

The Chief Minister has consistently denied these allegations, asserting that “everything was done according to law” concerning the land allotment in Mysuru.

“In the case of MUDA, everything was done according to law. I have not exerted any kind of influence on the allotment of the plot. My wife has been given a replacement plot in 2021 during the government period of the BJP as per the law,” Siddaramaiah said, defending his actions.

He further elaborated on the situation, stating, “In 2014, when I was the Chief Minister, my wife applied for a replacement site as MUDA had illegally acquired our land. At that time, I did not take any action in this regard. BJP and JDS parties are making allegations against me intending to destabilize the government.

“Although they tried to conduct Operation Kamala, they are doing this because they cannot destabilize the government. They cannot bear to see our government guarantee schemes successfully implemented in the last year and working for the poor.”

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on has also slammed the central government, alleging that Raj Bhavan was being misused as a BJP tool to undermine the democratically elected state government.

In a social media post on X, Kharge asserted, “The Karnataka Governor’s decision to sanction the prosecution of CM Siddaramaiah in the MUDA case has been orchestrated by the Central Government. Raj Bhavan is being misused as the BJP’s tool to undermine a democratically elected government. The Constitutional head of the State is sparking a constitutional crisis to appease his political masters.”

The BJP, on the other side, has demanded Siddaramaiah’s resignation to ensure transparent and unbiased probe.

“Given the substantial evidence and serious allegations of corruption and favoritism within the Congress government, it is crucial that the Chief Minister steps down. Resigning would allow a transparent and unbiased investigation, ensuring that the dignity of the Chief Minister’s office is maintained and that justice is served,” BJP state president BY Vijayendra said.