Tue Sep 24 20:59:29 UTC 2024: ## Karnataka Deputy CM Defends Siddaramaiah Amidst MUDA Scam Probe

**Bengaluru, [Date]** – Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has come out in strong defense of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah following the Karnataka High Court’s decision to allow an investigation into the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam.

Shivakumar dismissed the allegations against Siddaramaiah as a political conspiracy orchestrated by the BJP. He stated that the Chief Minister had done nothing wrong and expressed confidence that Siddaramaiah would be exonerated if a probe were to be conducted.

“This is a conspiracy by the BJP. They are trying to target him like they did with me,” Shivakumar said, referencing his own previous legal battles. “By God’s grace, my case was quashed, and I am sure Siddaramaiah will also be cleared.”

The High Court’s ruling came after it rejected Siddaramaiah’s petition challenging the Governor’s approval for an investigation against him. Siddaramaiah had argued that the Governor’s decision violated constitutional principles and went against the advice of the Council of Ministers.

However, the High Court, citing allegations of irregularities and potential financial gains by Siddaramaiah’s family, deemed it difficult to accept that the Chief Minister was not involved in the MUDA land transactions.

Shivakumar, while acknowledging the High Court’s decision, maintained that there was no setback and expressed his intent to review the judgment before making further comments.

The probe into the MUDA scam was initiated following complaints from three activists, alleging that MUDA had allotted 14 plots in the name of Siddaramaiah’s wife, Parvathi. The allegations claim that the family benefitted approximately Rs 56 crore from these transactions.

The investigation into the MUDA scam promises to be a significant development in Karnataka politics, potentially impacting the ruling Congress party’s standing ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

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