The Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is calling for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's resignation after the High Court dismissed his plea challenging the Governor's sanction for prosecution in the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam. The court ruled that the Governor's actions were justified and appropriate in response to an RTI activist's complaint. BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya stated that the Chief Minister has no other choice but to resign following the court's decision.
The Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) Scam and Its Political Fallout
The Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam, a major land allotment scandal, has rocked the political landscape of Karnataka, leading to calls for the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Background
In 2013, an RTI activist filed a complaint alleging irregularities in the allotment of land by MUDA during Siddaramaiah's tenure as urban development minister. The complaint alleged that prime land was allotted to influential individuals and companies at undervalued prices, resulting in a loss of revenue to the state exchequer.
Governor's Sanction for Prosecution
In 2017, the then-Governor of Karnataka, Vajubhai Vala, granted sanction for the prosecution of Siddaramaiah in the MUDA scam. The Chief Minister challenged the Governor's decision, arguing that the sanction was politically motivated.
High Court Ruling
On June 13, 2023, the Karnataka High Court dismissed Siddaramaiah's plea, upholding the Governor's decision. The court ruled that the Governor's actions were justified and appropriate in response to the RTI activist's complaint.
Political Fallout
The High Court ruling has fueled a political firestorm in Karnataka. The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has intensified its demand for Siddaramaiah's resignation, while the ruling Congress party has rallied around its leader.
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