Following Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot’s approval to prosecute Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over alleged irregularities in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), Home Minister G Parameshwara stated on Saturday that his department will confer with the legal team before deciding on filing an FIR against Siddaramaiah.
In a press briefing in Bengaluru, HM Parameshwara noted, “We will first engage with the legal team to determine the best course of action.”
When questioned, he expressed, “Naturally, we will support the Chief Minister during this period. We stand united with him, and there is no need for a separate statement.”
He reassured that the Congress government’s operations would not be affected by the recent developments.
However, he mentioned that investigations by the SIT would be expedited, and actions would be taken once reports are available.
Regarding the POCSO case involving former CM BS Yediyurappa, he indicated that the Advocate General and the defense lawyers will lift the injunctions, and necessary proceedings will follow.
On whether the actions could be perceived as revenge, HM Parameshwara responded, “The fact remains that the incident occurred. We are investigating it and have filed a charge sheet in court.”
In response to Ahinda activists’ ‘Go back Governor’ protest, HM Parameshwara reiterated, “We will first discuss this with the Chief Minister and consult with the legal team.”
HM Parameshwara added that the Congress will challenge the Governor’s inaction on other pending petitions.
“We will question the delays on petitions against Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, former CM BS Yediyurappa, and former ministers Shashikala Jolle and Murugesh Nirani. These have been pending for years. Yet, for CM Siddaramaiah, a show cause notice was issued within 24 hours. This discrepancy is evident.”
He stated that CM Siddaramaiah will deliberate with the legal team to decide the future steps. “The legal process will be scrutinized, and we have already declared our intention to contest it.”
Regarding the BJP’s demand for CM Siddaramaiah’s resignation, he commented, “It is expected that they will call for resignation, but we will address the matter legally. The Governor’s move is not surprising; such events occur in a democracy. We are prepared to confront this situation.”
Asked if CM Siddaramaiah might be asked to step down, he responded, “Our current position is to contest the Governor’s decision. We were not anticipating this development and had hoped the Cabinet’s advice to the Governor would prevent such permission. Now, we will tackle it legally.”
He criticized the central government’s influence, stating, “The Governor’s issuance of a show cause notice despite no direct order from the CM suggests external pressure. The CM provided a detailed explanation about the MUDA case. It appears that the Governor is being influenced by the central government, confirming our concerns about the misuse of the Governor’s office.”
HM Parameshwara viewed the Governor’s decision as a political maneuver. “The CM, elected by the people with 135 seats for the Congress, is being sanctioned despite no direct involvement. This seems to be a politically motivated or pressured action.”
He reiterated, “We believe this is an attempt to damage CM Siddaramaiah’s reputation. He has consistently maintained his political integrity over three decades. We will deliberate and respond accordingly.”
He recalled that Siddaramaiah, in response to the BJP’s accusations, established a commission to investigate the MUDA issue. “If he were guilty, why would he have set up the commission? The probe into land allotments by the MUDA is ongoing.”
HM Parameshwara criticized the Governor for acting before the commission’s report was released. “The Governor should have waited for the commission’s findings. If the commission clears CM Siddaramaiah, the Governor will face more scrutiny and criticism.”
