Siddaramaiah: Prosecution Sanction ‘Illegal and Biased’ Demands Governor’s Resignation

Bengaluru, EXPRESS News: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has strongly condemned the Governor’s decision to sanction his prosecution in connection with the alleged MUDA scam, labeling the move as “unconstitutional” and “illegal.” In a detailed statement, Siddaramaiah expressed his gratitude to the Cabinet, MPs, Rajya Sabha members, MLAs, and party workers for their steadfast support in what he described as a fight to preserve democracy.

The Chief Minister emphasized that the Cabinet has firmly rejected the Governor’s decision, arguing that the Governor, as a representative of the President and the Constitution, should not act as a proxy for the Central Government. Siddaramaiah accused the Central Government of using the Governor to destabilize the elected state government, which he said was a direct attack on the principles of democracy and the federal system.

Citing a circular issued by the Central Government on September 3, 2021, to all state Chief Secretaries, Siddaramaiah pointed out that the Governor did not follow the procedures outlined in the directive, rendering his decision illegal. The Cabinet has resolved to challenge the Governor’s actions legally.

“We must resist the Central Government’s malicious attempt to dismantle the elected government,” Siddaramaiah declared. He accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah of opposing Karnataka’s successful welfare schemes, stating that their actions were part of a broader effort to destabilize the state government.

The Chief Minister also questioned the rapidity with which the Governor issued a show cause notice following a complaint against him. He contrasted this with the Governor’s inaction in cases involving other politicians, including H.D. Kumaraswamy, Shashikala Jolle, Murugesh Nirani, and Janardhana Reddy, where investigations had established guilt but no permission for prosecution was granted.

Siddaramaiah pointed out that the alleged incidents did not occur during his government’s tenure, and that he had no involvement, as evidenced by the lack of any signatures or letters from him. “Why should I resign? There is no evidence or investigation implicating me,” he said, dismissing calls for his resignation.

In a pointed remark, Siddaramaiah demanded that the Governor should resign instead, accusing him of acting under pressure from the Centre. The Chief Minister reiterated that his government was prepared for the battle ahead, claiming that the BJP and JD(S) were being exposed in front of the people of Karnataka.

He also referenced a recent rally, noting that it drew one and a half lakh people in support of his government, while the BJP could only muster 30,000 attendees. “This is proof that the people are with us,” Siddaramaiah concluded.