Will there be a Change of Guard in Karnataka? | J P Gadkari

August 2, 2024

With two Advertorials published in a week in a prominent English daily in Bangalore, the Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah strongly defended himself against the charges of corruption and irregularities made by the combined BJP - JDS Opposition. It appears that Siddaramaiah is desperately trying to save his weakened position as Chief Minister of the State. He has already stoutly defended himself against the charges in the short session of the Assembly

Out of these charges/irregularities, one relates to the allotment of 14 sites to Siddaramaiah’s wife at a prime layout in Mysore in exchange for taking away equal land belonging to her by the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA). This is mainly being challenged by the combined BJP -JDS Opposition as a clear case of misuse of his office and authority by the Chief Minister.

The other major charge is about the alleged involvement of Siddaramaiah in the case of the Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation scam in which there is reported "siphoning " of nearly Rs 100 crores of money through "illegal" means. However, in this case, the incharge minister has already been sacked and arrested by the ED on a money laundering charge.

There are some other charges of alleged corruption in rice purchase for the "Annabhagya" scheme etc. The Chief Minister has stoutly denied all these charges on the floor of the Assembly as well as through the above-mentioned Advertorials. But the prolonged vociferous campaign of the Opposition has created a weather of distrust in the minds of people against the Congress Government in the State whom they had voted to power with an overwhelming majority a year ago.

Added to the above, is the open display of dissension in the Congress ranks and the familiar factionalism has also surfaced in the party. The already known Siddaramaiah vs D K Shivakumar factions have publicly voiced their views about the change of guard in Karnataka. Though the latter holds the charge of party in the State, it is understood that he too had a role to play in this episode remaining in the background.

The party High Command in Delhi has sternly warned against this factionalism in the State party. It seems to have taken serious note about charges of corruption and irregularities against Siddaramaiah, particularly the acquisition of 14 sites of prime land in Mysore by his wife. Last week both C M and his Deputy were summoned to Delhi by the High Command to find out the facts.

In the meantime, Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has also reportedly initiated action by serving a notice on Siddaramaiah seeking his explanation to the charges being levelled against him. It appears that he may give permission for the prosecution of the Chief Minister under the provisions of the law.

Meanwhile, C M Siddaramaiah returning from Delhi has triumphantly stated that he would fight the charges against him "legally and politically" and there is no question of his resigning as Chief Minister of the State. After a meeting of his Cabinet on Thursday morning, it is reported that the Government will also ask the Governor to withdraw the notice sent to C M earlier.

BJP -JDS combine has meanwhile announced their plans to take out the week-long "padayatra" from Banglore to Mysore from 3rd August 2024 of protest and demanding the resignation of the Chief Minister.