Wed Sep 25 07:55:12 UTC 2024: ## Karnataka Congress Rallies Behind Siddaramaiah Amidst MUDA Scam Probe

**Bengaluru:** Despite the Karnataka High Court’s dismissal of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s petition challenging an investigation into the MUDA land scam, the Congress party has thrown its full support behind him. While the party remains uncertain about its stance if an FIR is registered, it is adamant that Siddaramaiah will remain Chief Minister for now.

Congress leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, have dismissed the MUDA allegations as a BJP-JDS conspiracy aimed at destabilizing the Congress government. Shivakumar, also the state Congress chief, stated that the party from the national to local level stands firmly behind Siddaramaiah, who they believe is innocent and will be exonerated.

Law Minister H.K. Patil echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that the High Court’s order only pertains to a preliminary inquiry, not prosecution, and that there is no question of Siddaramaiah stepping down.

However, the absence of several Dalit leaders, including Home Minister G Parameshwara, Food and Civil Supplies Minister K.H. Muniyappa, and RDPR Minister Priyank Kharge, during the High Court verdict was conspicuous. While some are in Delhi, Parameshwara is in Thiruvananthapuram, according to sources.

The Congress has vowed to fight the allegations legally and will appeal to the Supreme Court. They also plan to take the case to the “people’s court” for justice.

The party is accusing the BJP of using the Governor’s office, CBI, IT Department, ED, and the Prime Minister and Home Minister to destabilize elected governments, as allegedly done in states like Delhi, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Assam. They see the MUDA probe as part of the same strategy.

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