Amid calls for his resignation, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reiterated that he will not step down as he denied any involvement in the MUDA site allotment 'scam'. The Special Court ordered a probe by the Lokayukta police in Mysuru against Siddaramaiah, setting the stage for an FIR to be registered against him. Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar also dismissed the possibility of Siddaramaiah resigning, calling the accusations a "political conspiracy" by the BJP and JD(S).
Siddaramaiah's Chief Ministership Under Scrutiny Amidst MUDA Site Allotment Controversy
Background:
Siddaramaiah, a senior leader of the Indian National Congress, served as the Chief Minister of Karnataka from 2013 to 2018. During his tenure, allegations surfaced regarding irregularities in the allotment of lands by the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA).
Current Controversy:
In 2022, a Special Court in Mysuru ordered a probe by the Lokayukta police against Siddaramaiah, paving the way for an FIR to be registered against him in connection with the alleged MUDA site allotment scam.
Siddaramaiah has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and reiterated that he will not step down as Chief Minister. Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has also dismissed the accusations as a "political conspiracy" by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (Secular) (JD(S)).
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
1. What is the MUDA site allotment scam?
The scam involves allegations of irregularities in the allotment of lands by MUDA, resulting in financial losses to the state government.
2. What are the specific allegations against Siddaramaiah?
Siddaramaiah is accused of colluding with officials to favor certain individuals in the allotment of prime lands in Mysuru, resulting in an estimated loss of Rs. 700 crores to the state exchequer.
3. What is the current status of the investigation?
The Lokayukta police have been ordered to conduct a probe into the allegations. The Special Court has directed the filing of an FIR against Siddaramaiah if evidence of wrongdoing is found.
4. Has Siddaramaiah resigned?
No, Siddaramaiah has denied any involvement in the scam and has refused to step down as Chief Minister.
5. What is the political fallout of the controversy?
The MUDA site allotment controversy has sparked political turmoil in Karnataka. The BJP and JD(S) have demanded Siddaramaiah's resignation, while the Congress has defended him and accused the opposition of playing politics.
Conclusion:
Siddaramaiah's chief ministership faces a major challenge amidst the MUDA site allotment controversy. The outcome of the investigation will have significant implications for his political future and the stability of the Congress government in Karnataka.
Amidst controversy over the Himachal Pradesh government's directive for food establishments to display their names, Cabinet Minister Anirudh Singh has spoken in support of the rule, stating that the state is capable of making its own laws. The decision comes after a similar move in Uttar Pradesh, sparking questions about the Congress party's stance on Hindutva in the state. Singh clarified that the goal of the new regulation is to create organised food vending zones, ensuring safety and hygiene for all.
The Supreme Court granted bail to former Tamil Nadu minister Senthil Balaji who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in an alleged cash-for-jobs scam. The court highlighted that bail is the rule and jail is the exception, and that the delay in trial and the higher threshold under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act for granting bail cannot go together. The judgement also noted the extraordinary powers of the Constitutional Courts in cases where there is an unreasonable delay in trial. In this case, the court has imposed strict conditions considering Balaji's influential position and the possibility of tampering with evidence.
In a unique purification ritual, BJP MLA Balmukund Acharya sprinkled a combination of Gangajal and gomutra (cow urine) on municipal officials and councillors in the Jaipur Municipal Corporation Heritage (JMCH) office. This was done to rid the office of "stains" of corruption and to "convert" Congress councillors into "Sanatanis" before they could lend support to the BJP. The new Mayor, Kusum Yadav, also assumed charge after recitation of Hanuman Chalisa and Vedic mantras. Acharya, known as the mahant of a popular temple in Jaipur, said that this ritual was necessary to purify the corrupt officials and councillors and bring an environment of purity to the municipal corporation.
In her first press conference after becoming Delhi's chief minister, Atishi declared revised minimum wages for unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled workers, stating they were the highest in the country. She also accused the BJP of being "anti-poor" and hindering the implementation of minimum wages in other states. The new rates, applicable from 1 October, were achieved through the Kejriwal government's efforts despite opposition from the BJP, according to Atishi.
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has issued a warning that his country could use nuclear weapons against Ukraine if it faced aggression, including attacks using conventional weapons. The announcement comes amid heightened tensions between the two nations, with Ukraine seeking permission from the UK and US to target Russian bases with long-range cruise missiles and supersonic battlefield range missiles. Russia’s ally China has called for calm, with President Xi Jinping cautioning against the use of nuclear weapons. This statement from Putin has sparked concerns about the possibility of a nuclear conflict in the region.
The Delhi High Court has ordered a halt to the counting of votes for the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) elections and other college elections due to widespread acts of vandalism and defacement of public properties by candidates. The Court has directed that no counting shall take place until all defacement is removed and public properties are restored. This comes after a plea filed by advocate Prashant Manchanda seeking action against those responsible for the defacement, and a separate petition by students highlighting violations of election conduct guidelines. The court has also been informed of an emergent meeting attended by 16 out of 21 candidates, where they were asked to file affidavits to remove all posters and graffiti.
After 471 days in prison, former Tamil Nadu Transport Minister Senthil Balaji was granted bail by the Supreme Court. Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed his support for Balaji, accusing the Enforcement Directorate of targeting political opponents. DMK leader TKS Elangovan criticized the BJP government for misusing their power in handling cases involving their own party members. The ruling DMK party has stood by Balaji, claiming that the case against him is a politically-motivated effort to weaken the party.
Actor-politician Pawan Kalyan thanked Tamil actor Karthi for promptly apologizing for laughing when asked about the alleged use of animal fat in Tirupati laddus. He emphasized the need for public figures to handle sensitive topics like religion and culture with care and respect. Pawan Kalyan also extended his well wishes to Karthi and the team of their upcoming film while addressing the recent controversy stirred by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu's accusations.
With the festive season approaching, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi Marlena announces a rise in the minimum monthly wage for unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled workers in Delhi. The aim of this increase is to provide some relief to workers during the expensive festival period. The new rates are higher than those in other BJP-ruled states, with Delhi’s minimum wage being the highest in the country. This increase will be implemented from October 1 and will be revised every two years.