Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje has called for the resignation of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah due to allegations of corruption in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam. The Governor has granted permission for his prosecution, citing evidence of corruption in the Valmiki Development Corporation scandal as well. The Chief Minister has denied these allegations and accused the Governor of acting on behalf of the Central Government and the BJP.
Siddaramaiah's Corruption Allegations and Political Fallout
Background
Siddaramaiah, a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress, served as the Chief Minister of Karnataka from 2013 to 2018. During his tenure, he faced multiple allegations of corruption in various land deals and development projects.
One major controversy centered around the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam, where Siddaramaiah was accused of illegally allotting land to his relatives and associates. The alleged scam involved the manipulation of land records and forged documents.
Union Minister's Call for Resignation
In 2017, Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje demanded Siddaramaiah's resignation in light of the MUDA allegations. She cited evidence presented before a Special Investigation Team (SIT) tasked with investigating the scandal.
Governor's Approval for Prosecution
Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala granted permission for Siddaramaiah's prosecution in the MUDA case, along with another corruption case involving the Valmiki Development Corporation. The Governor based his decision on evidence gathered by the SIT and the state's Anti-Corruption Bureau.
Siddaramaiah's Denial and Accusations
Siddaramaiah has repeatedly denied the allegations against him, accusing the Governor of acting under pressure from the Central Government and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He claims that there is no substantial evidence to support the charges against him.
Political Fallout
The corruption allegations have cast a shadow over Siddaramaiah's political career. The Congress party has rallied behind him, condemning the allegations as politically motivated. However, the BJP and other opposition parties have intensified their demands for his resignation.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. What is the MUDA scam? A: Allegations that Siddaramaiah illegally allotted land to his relatives and associates through the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA).
2. Who demanded Siddaramaiah's resignation? A: Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje and other BJP leaders.
3. Why did the Governor approve his prosecution? A: Evidence presented by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) and the Anti-Corruption Bureau.
4. What are Siddaramaiah's allegations against the Governor? A: That the Governor is acting at the behest of the Central Government and the BJP.
5. What is the political fallout of the allegations? A: Increased pressure on Siddaramaiah to resign, condemnation from opposition parties, and support from the Congress party.
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