After a high-profile investigation, the Karnataka High Court has ruled in favor of Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot's order to prosecute Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for his alleged involvement in the MUDA land scam case. In response, the BJP has demanded his resignation, calling it a "slap on the Congress government" and asserting that they have no intention of toppling the state government. The ruling is seen as a major setback for the Congress in the lead up to the state assembly elections.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah Indicted in MUDA Land Scam Case by Karnataka High Court
Background:
The Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA), a statutory body under the Karnataka government, was embroiled in a land scam involving the illegal allotment of plots in violation of zoning regulations. Allegations surfaced implicating then-Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who held the portfolio for Urban Development during the alleged scam period.
Investigation and Prosecution:
In 2018, the Karnataka Lokayukta (anti-corruption ombudsman) initiated an investigation into the MUDA land scam. The investigation revealed irregularities in the allotment process and implicated Siddaramaiah and several other officials.
Based on the Lokayukta's findings, Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot in 2021 gave his consent to prosecute Siddaramaiah and 12 other accused in the case. The Governor's order was challenged in the Karnataka High Court by the former Chief Minister.
High Court Ruling:
On May 27, 2022, the Karnataka High Court dismissed Siddaramaiah's petition and upheld the Governor's order to prosecute him in the MUDA land scam case. The court held that there was sufficient evidence against the accused to proceed with the trial.
Political Fallout:
The High Court ruling has sparked political turmoil in Karnataka. The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has demanded Siddaramaiah's resignation and called for the dissolution of his government. The BJP has further stated that it has no intention of destabilizing the state government through political machinations.
The Congress, on the other hand, has defended Siddaramaiah and termed the allegations against him as politically motivated. The party has insisted that the former Chief Minister will continue to lead the government.
FAQs:
The MUDA land scam involves the illegal allotment of plots in violation of zoning regulations.
Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is the main accused in the case, along with 12 other officials.
The High Court has dismissed Siddaramaiah's petition and upheld the Governor's order to prosecute him in the case.
The ruling has led to demands for Siddaramaiah's resignation and calls for the dissolution of the Congress government.
The case will now proceed to trial, where the prosecution will seek to prove its allegations against the accused.
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