Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has recently found himself at the centre of controversy following allegations related to the MUDA scam, where he has been named as an accused. On Friday, he responded to calls from opposition leaders, particularly from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), demanding his resignation. Siddaramaiah’s stance is firm; he has categorically stated that he will not step down from his position, citing a political conspiracy orchestrated by the BJP to destabilise the Congress-led government in the state.
In his defence, Siddaramaiah accused the BJP of implementing ‘Operation Lotus’, a term used to describe alleged attempts by the party to poach legislators from rival parties to topple state governments. He highlighted that many politicians, including JD(S) chief HD Kumaraswamy—who serves as a minister in the Narendra Modi government—are also facing legal challenges but have not resigned from their positions. “I will not resign. HD Kumaraswamy is a minister; he is on bail after an FIR was lodged against him. It’s politics to destabilise our government,” Siddaramaiah asserted.
His remarks reflect a broader narrative that opposition parties have often used during politically charged situations, arguing that the demand for resignations is selectively applied and politically motivated. He expressed confidence in his government’s strength, citing the backing of 136 legislators, and indicated that any legal challenges would be addressed through proper legal channels.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar backed Siddaramaiah’s position, describing the resignation demands as mere “drama.” He pointed out that many BJP leaders facing serious allegations have not resigned, questioning the fairness of the demands being made against the Chief Minister. “There are a lot of cases against several central ministers; have all of them resigned? There is no need for the CM to resign,” Shivakumar stated, further reinforcing the idea that political accountability should be uniformly applied.
In stark contrast, former Chief Minister Basavraj Bommai of the BJP insisted that Siddaramaiah’s resignation is essential for a fair investigation into the allegations surrounding the MUDA scam. He claimed that the Lokayukta should have a free hand to conduct the inquiry and that Siddaramaiah stepping down would facilitate this process. Bommai’s demand underscores the ongoing political tension and rivalry between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP.
BJP leader CT Ravi also chimed in, reminding Siddaramaiah of past demands for resignations from previous administrations. He pointed out that Siddaramaiah had previously called for Yediyurappa’s resignation over corruption charges, suggesting that he should now adhere to the same standards. “You do not have any other option and you should resign,” Ravi asserted, illustrating the continuing back-and-forth between the two political factions.
Adding to the turmoil, a special court has ordered an investigation by the Lokayukta police into the MUDA scam allegations, which involve Siddaramaiah’s alleged illegal allotment of 14 compensatory sites to his wife, Parvathy. The Lokayukta police have been tasked with submitting their report within three months, marking a significant development in the case. This legal scrutiny places further pressure on Siddaramaiah and the Congress government, as they navigate the complexities of both legal and political challenges.
As the political landscape in Karnataka becomes increasingly charged, the conflict surrounding the MUDA scam raises critical questions about accountability, governance, and the interplay of politics and law. Siddaramaiah’s refusal to resign highlights his commitment to maintaining his position amidst growing opposition pressure. With investigations underway, the coming months are likely to be pivotal for both the Chief Minister and the Congress party in Karnataka.