MUDA Case: CM Siddaramaiah Declares Innocence, Refuses to Resign

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah firmly stated on Thursday that he is not guilty of any wrongdoing and will not resign from his position. His comments came in response to demands from the BJP and JD(S) for him to step down following a Special Court’s ruling regarding the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam case.

Speaking to reporters at Vidhana Soudha, Siddaramaiah emphasized, “I have not committed any mistake, and there is no reason for me to resign. Many BJP leaders are currently out on bail; should they resign as well?”

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar backed Siddaramaiah, asserting that the Chief Minister would not resign. “This is a conspiracy by the BJP and JD(S) who cannot tolerate the success of our guarantee schemes,” he added.

The BJP has escalated its protests in the state, demanding Siddaramaiah’s resignation, with party leaders staging a demonstration at the Mahatma Gandhi statue near Vidhana Soudha. Some participants were detained when they attempted to surround the building.

Siddaramaiah convened a meeting with Home Minister G. Parameshwara, Law Minister H.K. Patil, legal advisors, and experts to discuss the next steps following the court’s directive for an investigation into the MUDA case. He is also presiding over a cabinet meeting where he is expected to seek support from the council of ministers and address the alleged biased actions of Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot.

The Special Court has instructed the Lokayukta to investigate Siddaramaiah over claims of irregularities in the MUDA case, with a report due in three months.