New Delhi: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah suffered a massive jot after the High Court dismissed his plea challenging the Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot’s order to investigate and prosecute him in the alleged MUDA site allotment scam. Now, the probe agencies can launch investigation against him which may put his position in peril. The BJP has upped its ante and demanded his resignation and called for a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
What did the High Court say
It was on August 16 that the governor allowed sanction for the commission of the alleged offences as spelt out in the petitions that were submitted to him by Pradeep Kumar S P, Snehamayi Krishna and T J Abraham, the complainants. The complaints called for probe against the CM in the alleged irregularities in the allotment of 14 sites to Siddaramaiah’s wife by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) in a prime location.
The CM moved the High Court and challenged the nod given by the Governor, and sought quashing of his order contending that his decision was procedurally flawed and legally unsustainable.
But, on Tuesday, the HC upheld Governor’s sanction, stating: “The Governor under normal circumstances has to act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers as under Article 163 of the constitution but can take independent decisions if exceptional circumstances arise. The present case projects one such exception. No fault can be found with the Governor exercising independent discretion to pass the impugned order.”
What next for Siddaramaiah?
As his plea has been dismissed, the CM stares at a potential likelihood of being registered under a case for corruption and issued summons for interrogation by the probing agencies. Siddarmaiah has also the option of contesting the High Court order in the Supreme Court, even as the investigating agencies get set to launch their probe. As the BJP mounts pressure on him to resign immediately, it may put him on a sticky wicket and pose challenge to counter the internal rumblings arising out of the situation within his own party.
Against the HC verdict, Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar has said that Siddaramaih won’t quit. Shivakumar pointed out that the CM has not done anything wrong, and he is not involved in any scam. “This is a political conspiracy by the BJP. We stand by him, we support him. He has been doing good work for the country, party, and state,” Shivakumar underlined.
How did Siddaramaiah react to HC direction?
Reacting to the HC order, Siddaramaiah said, “I will not hesitate from any investigation. I will consult with experts on whether such an investigation is allowed under law or not.”
Siddaramaiah pointed out that the truth will be out in the next few days. “The people of the state are standing behind me in this political struggle. Their blessings are my protection. I believe in law and the constitution. Truth will finally win in this fight. This is a fight against the revenge politics of Narendra Modi-led BJP government,” he said.
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