Karnataka CM ruled out resignation
North News
New Delhi, August 17
In a major political development, Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Saturday granted sanction for the prosecution of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in connection with the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment scam.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah ruled out his resignation on Saturday. While talking to the media, the CM said he had done no wrong to step down. Terming the Governor’s decision as “anti-Constitution and against the law”, the CM said he challenged the Governor’s decision in court.
Media reports quoting a news agency said that the Governor granted sanction for prosecution based on three petitions filed by T J Abraham, Pradeep Kumar, and Snehamayi Krishna. Previously on July 26 this year, Governor Gehlot had issued a show-cause notice to CM Siddaramaiah, asking him to respond within seven days as to why he should not face prosecution. In response, the Karnataka Cabinet strongly recommended that the Governor retract the notice issued to the Chief Minister, accusing him of misusing his constitutional role, the media reported.
In his petition seeking sanction from the Governor, Abraham accused Siddaramaiah of manipulation to get MUDA alternative sites for his family, illegally gaining land worth 55.8 crore rupees. He also complained to the Election Commission that in the 2013 election affidavit, Siddaramaiah had not declared this land, which was gifted to his wife by her brother through a gift deed. Siddaramaiah’s wife had received 14 sites in Mysuru in lieu of land in Kesare village that was acquired by MUDA.
