In an exclusive interview with India Today TV, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar passionately defended Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, firmly stating that there is absolutely no evidence to implicate him in the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam. Shivakumar, a key figure in the Karnataka Congress, underscored that the party is "100 per cent" behind Siddaramaiah, dismissing the allegations as a baseless political maneuver by the BJP aimed at destabilizing the state government.
Shivakumar's comments come at a time of heightened political tension, with the BJP ramping up pressure on Siddaramaiah to resign in the wake of the allegations. The Deputy Chief Minister was unequivocal in his support, asserting that there is no question of Siddaramaiah stepping down, as the accusations are unfounded and driven purely by political motives. He emphasized that the law of the land would ultimately protect Siddaramaiah from these unfounded charges, which he described as part of a broader "political drama" being orchestrated by the BJP.
The controversy escalated when Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot granted permission for the prosecution of Siddaramaiah in connection with the alleged MUDA scam. This decision followed a complaint filed by RTI activist TJ Abraham, who had raised concerns about the land allotments carried out by MUDA. The Governor’s decision has sparked a fierce political battle, with the Congress accusing the BJP of using the Governor’s office to settle political scores.
In his interview, Shivakumar criticized the Governor’s decision, arguing that it was premature and should have been deferred until the commission investigating the allegations had submitted its report. He pointed out that the Governor had previously issued a show cause notice to Siddaramaiah, demanding explanations regarding the alleged irregularities, but had not waited for the investigation’s conclusion before granting permission for prosecution.
In a bid to counter the Governor's move, the Karnataka Congress has taken the issue to the highest levels of government, writing to President Droupadi Murmu to request her intervention. The party has urged the President to engage with the Governor and persuade him to reconsider the prosecution order, which they view as politically motivated. Shivakumar reiterated that the entire Congress leadership, from party President Mallikarjun Kharge to the most junior booth worker, stands firmly behind Siddaramaiah, reflecting the party's unified stance against what it perceives as an unjust political attack.
Shivakumar also took aim at the BJP's broader political strategy, accusing the party of attempting to destabilize the Karnataka government through divisive tactics and the poaching of Congress MLAs. He described the BJP as "cunning foxes" who are using the MUDA scam allegations to weaken the Congress's position in the state. He also criticized the BJP for its alliance with the JD(S), warning that JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy could ultimately "backstab" the BJP, just as he has dictated terms to them in the past.
The MUDA scam centers around allegations that land allotments by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority were manipulated to benefit certain individuals, including Parvathi Siddaramaiah, the Chief Minister's wife. The case dates back to 2021, when MUDA acquired a 3-acre plot owned by Parvathi Siddaramaiah in Kesare village, Mysuru, for urban development purposes. In exchange for this land, she was allocated other plots in a more upscale area of south Mysuru, which are significantly more valuable than her original land in Kesare. Critics have alleged that this exchange represents a clear conflict of interest and have raised questions about the propriety of the land allotment process.
As the political drama continues to unfold, the Karnataka Congress is rallying behind Siddaramaiah, viewing the allegations as part of a broader strategy by the BJP to undermine the state government. The party's leadership, including Shivakumar, is determined to fight back against what they see as a politically motivated campaign and to ensure that Siddaramaiah remains at the helm of the Karnataka government.
This controversy is more than just a legal battle; it has become a significant political issue that could shape the future of Karnataka’s governance. The outcome of this struggle will likely have far-reaching implications, not only for Siddaramaiah and the Congress in Karnataka but also for the broader political landscape in the state. As the situation develops, the Congress’s resolve to stand by Siddaramaiah will be tested, as will the BJP's ability to leverage the allegations to its political advantage.
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