Wed Sep 25 12:55:13 UTC 2024: ## Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Defiant Amidst MUDA Probe, Slams Opposition Demand for Resignation

**Bengaluru:** Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday vehemently refuted calls for his resignation following a High Court order directing a probe into the controversial Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case. Siddaramaiah asserted that the court order merely initiates an inquiry and does not imply guilt.

“The court has only directed an inquiry, it doesn’t mean I’m guilty,” Siddaramaiah declared at a press conference. He further highlighted that the court’s decision was made under Section 17(A) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, and the matter has been handed over to the investigation.

The Chief Minister dismissed the opposition’s calls for his resignation as a politically motivated conspiracy, emphasizing that he will challenge the allegations both legally and politically. He accused the BJP and JD(S) of orchestrating a “national level conspiracy” to target him, alleging that similar attempts were made against other Chief Ministers.

“The people of Karnataka are with us, and they are with me. It’s not possible to dislodge our government through money power and Operation Lotus,” Siddaramaiah said, referring to past attempts by the BJP to destabilize the state government.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar echoed the CM’s sentiment, stating that the BJP and JD(S) are conspiring against the state government. He asserted that the government will not succumb to pressure and stands united behind the Chief Minister.

The Karnataka High Court, in its order, had quashed Siddaramaiah’s petition and directed a probe into the MUDA case, stating that the beneficiaries of the alleged land scam were not outsiders but the CM’s wife. The court upheld the Governor’s decision to allow the probe, based on petitions filed by social activists alleging fraudulent land transactions by Siddaramaiah.

Siddaramaiah has maintained his innocence and is confident that the inquiry will clear his name.

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