Sat Sep 28 10:05:56 UTC 2024: ## Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Defies BJP Calls for Resignation in MUDA Scam Case

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has refused to resign despite facing an ongoing probe in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) “scam” case. Siddaramaiah accused the BJP of attempting to destabilize the Congress-run Karnataka government, citing the example of Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, who is currently on bail after facing an FIR.

“It’s a politics by them [BJP] to destabilize our government, that’s why they are doing it,” said Siddaramaiah. “They tried Operation Lotus, but they failed because we are 136 legislators. They formed government without a mandate twice, did Yediyurappa win? We will fight it legally.”

The case alleges that Siddaramaiah’s wife, BM Parvathi, was allotted 14 sites in an upmarket area of Mysuru by MUDA. The value of these sites was reportedly higher than the land acquired from his wife. On Wednesday, a special court in Bengaluru ordered a probe by the Lokayukta police against Siddaramaiah, setting the stage for an FIR against him.

Siddaramaiah, however, defended his stance, questioning why Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not resign following the Godhra incident, and why Kumaraswamy has not resigned despite being on bail. He declared that he will not resign and will fight the allegations legally.

The BJP has been demanding Siddaramaiah’s resignation over the MUDA case. The political battle in Karnataka is expected to intensify as the state prepares for upcoming elections.

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