Wed Sep 25 06:55:40 UTC 2024: ## Karnataka Deputy CM Defends Siddaramaiah Amidst MUDA Scam Investigation

**Bengaluru, India:** Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday vehemently denied claims that the dismissal of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s petition in the alleged MUDA scam was a setback. He labelled the ongoing investigation a “big conspiracy” targeting him and other Congress leaders.

The High Court of Karnataka dismissed Siddaramaiah’s petition challenging Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot’s approval for an investigation against him. The court ruled that the Governor’s order for prosecution was valid.

Shivakumar, however, expressed confidence in the judicial system and dismissed the ruling as a mere hurdle. “I am telling you again, there is no setback to the CM. We have faced such conspiracies before and we will fight it out,” he asserted.

Minister Priyank Kharge echoed Shivakumar’s sentiments, accusing the Governor’s office of being misused by the BJP. He further criticized the BJP for commenting on Siddaramaiah’s legal troubles while their own leaders face pending cases.

The MUDA scam involves allegations of improper site allotments in Mysuru to Siddaramaiah’s wife. While Shivakumar maintains his support for Siddaramaiah, the situation raises questions about the future leadership of the Congress party in Karnataka.

With the possibility of Siddaramaiah facing further legal challenges, the Congress high command may be forced to intervene. Any forced leadership change could alienate Siddaramaiah’s core voter base and lead to internal strife within the party.

The Congress faces a delicate situation as they navigate through this legal and political storm. Whether Siddaramaiah can weather this challenge and retain his position, or if the leadership mantle will pass on to Shivakumar, remains to be seen.

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