Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar Supports CM Siddaramaiah Amid MUDA Scam Allegations

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], August 17: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced that the state government will fully support Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who is facing prosecution in the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam. The Karnataka governor has granted permission for the prosecution.

Shivakumar, along with Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara and senior Minister Krishna Byregowda, addressed reporters at a press conference. He stated, “On August 1, we held a cabinet meeting and demanded the Governor to withdraw the decision. We also told him that the complaint has no merit and democracy must be saved by dismissing the complaint.”

He added, “We stand with CM Siddaramaiah. The party, the high command, the entire state, and the Cabinet stand with him. We will fight it legally and politically. Whatever notice and sanction has been given is against the law. We have made all our preparations to fight it legally. This is nothing but a clear conspiracy against backwards-class CM Siddaramaiah who is running the government for the second time.”

The Karnataka Government plans to challenge the governor’s action in the High Court. Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot granted permission to prosecute CM Siddaramaiah in the alleged MUDA scam. Siddaramaiah maintains that “everything was done according to the law.”

Shivakumar further alleged that the governor’s office is being used to destabilize the government led by CM Siddaramaiah. He said, “This is completely unconstitutional and against the law. There is a strong government led by CM Siddaramaiah. They (BJP) are trying to destabilize the government by using the Governor’s office. This is unfortunate. My CM will not come under any pressure. There is no question of him resigning. He will continue in the post. We are all united, the entire party stands with him. He has not done anything wrong in any of his tenure.”

Minister Krishna Byregowda also spoke to reporters, stating that the procedure adopted by the Governor was completely illegal. He said, “It is a completely illegal order as the Governor’s office is not behaving as a Governor’s office. It is a completely illegal order with an illegal procedure which is not permitted in the constitution, it doesn’t have any basis. They tried ED to file fake cases against CM and DCM and now they’re using the governor’s office as their tool. It is an attack on the CM and the people of the state.”

Earlier, a complaint was filed by social activist Snehamayi Krishna against Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and nine others for allegedly forging documents to claim compensation from the Mysuru Urban Development Authority.