The Karnataka High Court’s dismissal of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s petition against an investigation into the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment case has sparked a political storm in the state. With charges involving the alleged irregularities in allotting prime land to his wife, the verdict has triggered heated responses from across the political spectrum. Here’s how key leaders reacted.
Undeterred by the court's ruling, the Chief Minister lashed out at his political opponents, accusing the BJP and JDS of trying to derail his pro-poor agenda. "Whatever pro-poor programs our government implements, BJP and JDS oppose it... Today they are opposing our guarantee schemes. Now these same people are demanding my resignation. His intention is clear.”
Celebrating the court's verdict, BJP leader R. Ashoka framed the ruling as a win for transparency and a defeat for alleged corruption in Siddaramaiah's administration."Hon'ble Karnataka High Court's verdict to uphold the Governor's sanction to prosecute CM @siddaramaiah in the MUDA scam is a victory of truth," Ashoka declared, calling for the Chief Minister’s immediate resignation."The AICC President and LoP @RahulGandhi must immediately seek CM @siddaramaiah's resignation."
Meanwhile, Congress heavyweight and Siddaramaiah’s close ally, DK Shivakumar, came out swinging in his defence, framing the investigation as a politically motivated conspiracy."The entire Congress party stands behind the Chief Minister. This is a plot by the BJP and JDS, who cannot digest the success of our schemes," he stated at a press conference."We will continue to fight for justice, and we have full faith in the law of the land."
The son of former Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa, Vijayendra didn’t mince his words, echoing the opposition's call for Siddaramaiah’s resignation."Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the time has come to do as you say. Resign, face investigation," he tweeted, making it clear that the BJP would not rest until Siddaramaiah steps down.
The national Congress leadership, too, rallied behind Siddaramaiah, with KC Venugopal slamming the alleged misuse of the Governor’s office to target political adversaries."The Modi-Shah regime's misuse of the Governor's office is a threat to our democracy," Venugopal said, calling the verdict an attempt by Delhi to meddle in Karnataka’s governance."Our government will only listen to the people—not the bullies of Delhi."
Former BJP leader Jagadish Shettar seized the moment to accuse Siddaramaiah of wronging the marginalised."CM Siddaramaiah, who swallowed the land of Dalits, is cursed by the wronged Dalits," Shettar thundered, describing the verdict as a victory for truth and justice."Resign and take moral responsibility!" he demanded.