Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah firmly stated on Thursday that he would not resign from his position, asserting his innocence in the ongoing Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam case. This declaration comes in response to demands from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (Secular) (JD(S)) for his resignation following a Special Court’s order for an investigation into the matter.
Speaking at the Vidhana Soudha, Siddaramaiah emphasized, “I have not committed any mistake and there is no necessity for me to resign. Many BJP leaders are on bail—won’t it embarrass them? Has any of them tendered their resignations?” His remarks reflect a growing tension between the ruling Congress party and the opposition.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who is also the President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), echoed Siddaramaiah’s sentiments, asserting, “He will not tender his resignation. This is a conspiracy by the BJP and JD(S). They cannot tolerate the success of our guarantee schemes.” Shivakumar’s comments highlight the Congress party’s resolve to maintain stability in the state government amid rising opposition pressure.
The BJP has ramped up its protests, demanding Siddaramaiah’s resignation. A demonstration took place at the Mahatma Gandhi statue within the Vidhana Soudha premises, where BJP leaders and supporters were detained while attempting to lay siege to the assembly.
In light of the Special Court’s directive for the Lokayukta to investigate the alleged irregularities, Siddaramaiah convened a meeting with senior officials, including Home Minister G. Parameshwara and Law Minister H.K. Patil, to strategize the next steps. The court has ordered the lodging of an FIR and requested a report within three months.
Sources indicate that during an ongoing cabinet meeting, Siddaramaiah may seek the support of his ministers and address the alleged biased actions of Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot against him.
As political tensions rise, the outcome of the investigation and the responses from both the Congress and the opposition parties will be closely monitored in the coming weeks.