Siddaramaiah Defends Integrity Amid MUDA Scam Allegations

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah fiercely defended his reputation during a speech at the ‘Janandolana’ convention in Mysuru, aimed at countering the BJP-JDS’s ongoing Padayatra. Addressing his critics, Siddaramaiah claimed that his long political career, spanning 40 years, has remained untainted by corruption.

Siddaramaiah emphasized that neither he nor his family had accumulated wealth or assets despite his tenure as chief minister. He highlighted his humble beginnings, recalling how he fought his first election with minimal resources and no financial backing. He criticized opposition leaders for their alleged involvement in various scandals, questioning their moral authority to demand his resignation.

He specifically targeted BJP’s BS Yediyurappa and JDS’s Kumaraswamy, accusing them of hypocrisy and citing their own controversies. Siddaramaiah also refuted claims that he had influenced land allotments to his wife, asserting that the MUDA scam allegations were baseless and driven by political motives.

The Chief Minister also reflected on his achievements, including pro-poor schemes like Anna Bhagya and Ksheera Bhagya, and highlighted that his second term was also earned with public support. He dismissed the ongoing allegations as attempts to undermine his government and questioned the credibility of those levying the charges against him.

In response to calls for his resignation, KPCC chief and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar showed solidarity with Siddaramaiah, rebuffing the BJP and JDS’s efforts to destabilize the Congress government. Shivakumar asserted that the Congress’s strength and unity would withstand these political challenges.