Centre Misusing Raj Bhavan For Politics: Siddaramaiah Responds To Governor’s Prosecution Decision

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday accused the Central government of using the Raj Bhavan for political purposes after the Governor granted permission to prosecute him in connection with an alleged land allocation scam involving the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA).

In his first response to the development, Siddaramaiah claimed that the move was part of a conspiracy by the Opposition to destabilize his democratically-elected government. He asserted that the Congress party stands firmly behind him and that the Governor's decision would be challenged in court.

"The entire Cabinet, the high command, and all the MLAs and MLCs are supporting me," the Chief Minister stated.

"This is a deliberate attempt by the BJP, JD(S), and others to dislodge a democratically-elected government. I have done nothing wrong," Siddaramaiah added.

He further criticized the Governor's decision as "unconstitutional" and "against the law."

Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot's decision to approve Siddaramaiah's prosecution follows a complaint by RTI activist TJ Abraham, who raised concerns about the 'MUDA scam.' The Governor has directed the complainant to meet him at Raj Bhavan later today. Under the law, prosecuting a Chief Minister requires the Governor's permission.

The Governor's move has sparked a new political confrontation between the Congress and BJP in Karnataka. The Congress accused the BJP and the Centre of using the situation to target the state government and announced plans for statewide protests.

Meanwhile, the BJP defended the Governor's actions, arguing that he was exercising his constitutional powers by allowing legal action against Siddaramaiah in what they claim is a Rs 4,000 crore scam.

The BJP has also called for Siddaramaiah's resignation to facilitate an independent investigation.

### WHAT IS THE MUDA LAND SCAM?
The controversy revolves around a 3.16-acre plot of land in Kesaru village owned by Siddaramaiah's wife, Parvathi. The land was acquired by MUDA for the development of a layout, and in 2022, Parvathi was allocated 14 premium sites in Vijayanagar as compensation under a 50:50 scheme.

However, activists have alleged that the value of the plot allotted to Parvathi was significantly higher than the location of her original land that was acquired by MUDA.

Siddaramaiah has consistently denied any wrongdoing, insisting that the land allocation to his wife was lawful. "Our land was illegally taken by MUDA, for which she (my wife) is eligible for land or compensation," he stated earlier.

In July, the Karnataka government established a single-member inquiry commission, led by former High Court Judge Justice PN Desai, to investigate the case.