DK Shivakumar backs Siddaramaiah amid High Court setback to him in MUDA ‘scam’

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday defended Chief Minister Siddaramaiah after the High Court’s ruling in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case.
Speaking at an event at Taj West End in Bengaluru, Shivakumar dismissed any wrongdoing by Siddaramaiah, exuding confidence that the Chief Minister would come out clean even if a probe is conducted.
“This is a conspiracy by the BJP. The Chief Minister has done nothing wrong. They are trying to target him like they did with me. By God’s grace, my case was quashed, and I am sure Siddaramaiah will also be cleared,” said the deputy chief minister.
His remarks came hours after the Karnataka High Court rejected the petition filed by Siddaramaiah challenging the prosecution nod given by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot against him. Siddaramaiah had challenged the approval for an investigation under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act and Section 218 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.
In the petition, Siddaramaiah had argued that the Governor’s sanction order was in violation of statutory mandates, and contrary to Constitutional principles, including the advice of the Council of Ministers, which is binding under Article 163 of the Constitution of India.
Shivakumar further accused the BJP of being unable to “digest” Siddaramaiah’s good work in the state and alleged that the party was plotting against him.
When asked about the high court’s decision, Shivakumar said, “There is no setback. Reports say the court has allowed the investigation, but I will comment further after reviewing the judgement.”
The Governor had approved the investigation in the MUDA scam after he received complaints from three activists. In the complaint, the activists alleged that the MUDA had allotted at least 14 plots in the name of Siddaramaiah’s wife, Parvathi.
In the Karnataka High Court order today, the single judge bench of Justice M Nagaprasanna said it was difficult to accept that Siddaramaiah was not “behind the curtain” during the entire transaction of MUDA land, in which his family allegedly benefitted approximately Rs 56 crore.