The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (Secular) (JD(S)) intensified their calls for Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s resignation after a special court in Bengaluru ordered a Lokayukta police probe into the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam. The case involves allegations of illegal site allotments made by MUDA, including those to Siddaramaiah’s wife, BM Parvathi.
On September 25, 2024, the court’s order prompted BJP state president BY Vijayendra to hold a press conference, where he called for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take over the case. He emphasized that an impartial investigation by the Mysuru Lokayukta is unlikely due to Siddaramaiah’s powerful position as chief minister. Vijayendra announced plans for a joint protest by BJP and JD(S), demanding Siddaramaiah’s resignation and a CBI-led investigation.
Vijayendra said, “Since the investigation is against the powerful CM Siddaramaiah, I demand the CM hand over the investigation to CBI and resign immediately. Tomorrow, BJP & JD(S) will hold a protest.”
Political Fallout
The demand for Siddaramaiah’s resignation follows the Karnataka High Court’s decision to uphold Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot’s sanction for the investigation into alleged illegalities in the allotment of 14 sites by MUDA to Siddaramaiah’s wife.
Deputy CM DK Shivakumar defended Siddaramaiah, questioning why the BJP wasn’t calling for the resignation of its leaders who have charges against them. He stated, “Why is the BJP not demanding the resignation of their leaders against whom chargesheets have been filed?”
Protests and Tensions
On Wednesday, the BJP Yuva Morcha attempted to march towards Siddaramaiah’s residence, “Cauvery,” but the police intervened, detaining the protesters. Meanwhile, JD(S) members, led by former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, staged a demonstration at Freedom Park before they too were stopped by police.
The protest is set to continue on September 26, with BJP and JD(S) leaders preparing to demand further action.
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