Siddaramaiah says, ‘I won’t resign’ on FIR in MUDA case

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has firmly declared that he will not resign after the Karnataka Lokayukta ordered an investigation into the MUDA case and filed an FIR against him. The case involves allegations of irregularities in site allotment by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA). Siddaramaiah has reiterated that he has done no wrong and will fight the case legally.

In response to the allegations, Siddaramaiah asked, “Did the Prime Minister resign after the Godhra riots in his capacity as Gujarat’s Chief Minister?” He also pointed out that other political figures, such as former CM HD Kumaraswamy, face corruption charges yet have not resigned. “I will not resign,” he stated firmly.

His statement comes amid growing pressure from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which staged protests in the Karnataka Assembly, demanding his resignation. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar ruled out any possibility of Siddaramaiah stepping down.

This controversy escalated after a special Karnataka court ordered the Lokayukta to submit a report within three months and directed authorities to file an FIR. The court also dismissed Siddaramaiah’s petition challenging the Governor’s nod to the investigation. The court stated that the Governor has the right to make independent decisions in exceptional circumstances.

The case revolves around allegations that compensatory plots were allotted to Siddaramaiah’s wife, BM Parvathi, in a high-value area of Mysuru. This allotment was in exchange for 3.16 acres of her land acquired by MUDA, which developed a residential layout on the site.

The opposition is relentlessly pushing for Siddaramaiah’s resignation, but the Chief Minister remains determined to face the case legally and continue his role as Karnataka’s leader.