The political landscape in Karnataka is heating up as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ramps up its pressure on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The BJP’s demands for his resignation stem from a recent court order. A special court in Bengaluru has directed a Lokayukta police probe against Siddaramaiah in a case concerning the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA). This case, often referred to as the ‘MUDA scam,’ involves allegations of irregularities in the allotment of land.
Following the court order, Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra publicly called for Siddaramaiah to step down. He argued that the investigation should be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) due to the Chief Minister’s involvement. Vijayendra further announced that the BJP, alongside the Janata Dal (Secular) or JD(S), will stage a protest on Thursday, September 26, demanding Siddaramaiah’s resignation.
The BJP isn’t alone in its call for Siddaramaiah’s resignation. JD(S), a key member of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), is also participating in the protests. The party, led by former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, sees this as an opportunity to exert pressure on the ruling Congress government.
While the BJP and JD(S) are pushing for Siddaramaiah’s immediate resignation, the ruling Congress party has a different perspective. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar questioned the BJP’s stance, pointing out that they haven’t similarly demanded the resignation of their own leaders facing charges.
The recent developments come after the High Court upheld the Governor’s decision to sanction an investigation against Siddaramaiah. The investigation pertains to allegations that 14 sites were illegally allotted to his wife, B.M. Parvathi, by MUDA.
The political drama unfolded on Wednesday as the BJP and JD(S) attempted to organize protests outside Siddaramaiah’s residence. Members of the BJP Yuva Morcha, the party’s youth wing, marched towards the Chief Minister’s residence, but the police intervened and placed them in preventive custody. Meanwhile, JD(S) leaders and workers rallied at Freedom Park before heading towards the Chief Minister’s residence, only to be stopped by the police.
The MUDA scam controversy has escalated into a major political crisis in Karnataka. The BJP’s aggressive stance, coupled with the court’s order for an investigation, puts immense pressure on the Siddaramaiah-led government. It remains to be seen how the situation unfolds and what impact it will have on the upcoming elections in the state.
