Wed Sep 25 12:55:15 UTC 2024: ## Karnataka Deputy CM Backs Siddaramaiah Amidst MUDA Land Scam Allegations
**Bengaluru, September 25, 2024:** Amidst growing pressure on Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah following a High Court ruling allowing his prosecution in the alleged MUDA land scam, his deputy DK Shivakumar has thrown his weight behind him, calling the corruption allegations a “big conspiracy.”
The Karnataka High Court rejected Siddaramaiah’s plea against Governor Thawarchand Gehlot’s decision to allow his prosecution in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam. Shivakumar, often seen as a potential successor to Siddaramaiah, dismissed the allegations and expressed full confidence in the Chief Minister’s innocence.
“There is no question (of resignation) by CM. He has not done anything wrong. He is not involved with any scam,” Shivakumar stated. He attributed the allegations to a “political conspiracy” by the BJP to target opposition leaders nationwide.
Meanwhile, the BJP has seized the opportunity to intensify its attack on the Congress and Siddaramaiah. Senior BJP leader Rajeev Chandrashekhar, in a Delhi press conference, demanded Siddaramaiah’s resignation to ensure a free and independent investigation into the case. He accused Siddaramaiah of continuing the Congress’s tradition of enriching themselves while making false promises to the poor.
Chandrashekhar also accused Congress leaders in Karnataka of widespread involvement in land scams, citing the MUDA case as a “shameful” example of a Chief Minister misusing his office for personal gain.
Despite the court ruling and the BJP’s accusations, Shivakumar maintained his staunch support for Siddaramaiah, reiterating his belief that the allegations are part of a larger conspiracy.
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