Siddaramaiah Slams Governor’s ‘Prosecute’ Nod In Land Scam Row

Bengaluru: Karnataka Governor Thawaar Chand Gehlot‘s decision to sanction prosecution of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah – over alleged irregularities in land allotment by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority – was “in violation of the principles of natural justice”, the Congress leader told the High Court Monday.

Under fire from the BJP – which was defeated by the Congress in last year’s Assembly election – Siddaramaiah also warned of “political destabilisation” if the Governor’s order is allowed to stand. The Chief Minister sought an order preventing authorities from further action relating to Mr Gehlot’s order.

In his petition the Chief Minister claimed the Governor’s grant of sanction to prosecute him was “illegal and without authority of law”. Siddaramaiah said Mr Gehlot – whom he earlier called a “puppet” of the centre – had “passed the order without proper application of mind and due consideration of the facts…”

In a strongly-worded petition Siddaramaiah further warned the court that “in the absence of interim relief… there is a grave and imminent risk of irreparable harm (to his) reputation”.

Allowing the Governor’s sanction to stand would also lead to “severe prejudice… disrupt governance of the state, and potentially result in political destabilisation”, Siddaramaiah argued.

“Such harm, if inflicted, cannot be adequately remedied at a later stage.”

“Never Misused Power…”

Hours earlier the Chief Minister told reporters he had not done anything illegal in a political career spanning four decades, and expressed confidence the judiciary would come to his aid.

The senior Congress leader declared he had been a Chief Minister and a Minister over the course of his career and had “never misused power for personal gains”. He also dismissed protests by the BJP, saying, “In politics it is natural that parties will protest… so let them protest, I am clean.”

READ | “In 40 Years Did Nothing Wrong”: Under-Fire Siddaramaiah

On Saturday Siddaramaiah had tweeted calling the Governor’s decision “anti-Constitution” and “against the law”. “It will be questioned in court. I have done no wrong to resign,” he said.

Governor OKs Move Against Chief Minister

A massive row erupted in Karnataka over the weekend after Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot sanctioned prosecution of the Chief Minister on corruption charges in connection with the Mysuru Urban Development Authority, or MUDA, case after petitions by three activists.

The Governor said his order was necessary to conduct a “neutral, objective, and non-partisan investigation”, adding he is prima facie “satisfied” the alleged infractions were, in fact, committed.

READ | Karnataka Governor Clears Chief Minister’s Prosecution In Land Scam

The sanction sparked furious protests by the Congress, which today held state-wide protests – dharnas, foot-marches and rallies in district headquarters including Mysuru – against Mr Gehlot.

The BJP has demanded Siddaramaiah – who faces the ruling Congress’ first major challenge since a surprisingly dominant win in the 2023 Assembly election – resign to facilitate the investigation.

MUDA Land Scam Case Explained

The alleged MUDA scam focuses on the value of land allotted to the Chief Minister’s wife, Parvathi, in an upmarket area of Mysuru as compensation for land elsewhere taken for infra development.

Critics allege the value of land allotted grossly – by Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000 crore – exceeds that taken.

NDTV Explains | MUDA Case In Which Siddaramaiah May Be Prosecuted

Specifically, in a complaint filed by an activist, TJ Abraham, that named the Chief Minister, his wife and son, and senior MUDA officials, it was alleged that allotment of 14 alternative sites in a Mysuru neighbourhood was illegal and caused a loss of Rs 45 crore.

READ | 3.16 Acres Bought For Rs 1 In 1935: Siddaramaiah On Mysuru Land Scam

Siddaramaiah had claimed the land was gifted by his wife’s brother in 1998. However, another activist Snehmayi Krishna alleged the brother had procured it illegally and registered it using forged documents with help from government officials. The land was shown to have been bought in 1998.

The Chief Minister’s wife sought compensation in 2014 when Siddaramaiah held the top post.

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