Wednesday, 25 September 2024
Wednesday, 25 September 2024
Chief minister Siddaramaiah rejected calls for his resignation on Tuesday with the Congress vowing to fight "legally and politically" against the Centre's "nefarious motives" after Karnataka high court upheld the state governor's approval for an investigation against him.
The high court's ruling means the lower court can now initiate legal proceedings against the chief minister, which will include filing a first information report and ramp up pressure on Siddaramaiah.
The Karnataka high court’s decision led to a political uproar in the state. Here’s what the BJP and Congress leaders had to say on Siddaramaiah’s alleged involvement in the MUDA scam.
Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday reiterated that he was ready to face an investigation in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment case.
Reacting to the special court order of a Lokayukta police investigation against him in the case, the chief minister said he was not afraid of a probe
“Already I have said that I am ready to face an investigation. I am not afraid of a probe,” Siddaramaiah told reporters. “I am ready for a legal fight. I had said this yesterday and I am reiterating it today as well.”
A day after the Karnataka High Court upheld the governor's approval for an investigation against Siddaramaiah, Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Wednesday slammed the BJP and accused it of adopting "insidious ways" to destabilize and topple elected governments.
In a post on X, Sibal said, "Now Karnataka. BJP's insidious ways to destabilise and topple elected governments: Luring MLAs, misusing tenth schedule, instilling fear (ED, CBI) and governors acting beyond their constitutional responsibilities.
In a post on X, Congress general secretary, organisation, KC Venugopal said, "The Modi-Shah regime's relentless misuse of the Governor's office is a matter of immense concern for our constitutional democracy. Governors are mere titular heads and cannot interfere in day-to-day functioning of state governments, they must adhere to the letter and spirit of the Constitution."
"The Karnataka Governor is trying his best to destabilise a popular, pro-people government led by a leader who has risen from a humble background to the CM's office. Such attempts only show the BJP's instincts to control Karnataka from Delhi and it is nothing but an attempt to make Karnataka kneel before the Delhi durbar," he said.
"But ours is a strong government that will only listen to the people - not to the bullies of Delhi. Our party will fight this both legally and politically, against the Central Government's nefarious motives," he added.
In a post on X, Congress general secretary in-charge, communications, Jairam Ramesh said, "Governor Kerala. Governor Tamil Nadu. Governor West Bengal. Now Governor of Karnataka. All dancing to the tune of the non-biological PM and self-styled Chanakya. Disgraceful & an assault on the Constitution of India."
The Bharatiya Janata Party - which has targeted the Congress government and Siddaramaiah in this matter - was up in arms, demanding, again, the Chief Minister’s resignation. Vijayendra, the BJP's state unit chief, demanded Siddaramaiah "resign immediately, without further delay".
"BJP has been relentlessly fighting against the corrupt Congress government. They (the Congress) said that BJP is plotting a political conspiracy... but the High Court has clearly said the decision taken by the Governor is correct. Accepting this decision, the Chief Minister should resign immediately..."
Siddaramaiah’s deputy, DK Shivakumar, alleged "a big conspiracy".
"I am telling you again... there is no setback for the Chief Minister. It is a big conspiracy against our leaders. We will fight it out. We respect the legal system... we will get justice," he told reporters.
Support from Mr Shivakumar - who is also the Congress' state boss - is seen as key for Siddaramaiah, since the two were at odds for the Chief Minister's post after last year's Assembly election win.
