Wed Apr 09 17:54:42 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Faces New Corruption Allegations
**Bengaluru, April 9, 2025** – Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is facing fresh allegations of corruption, with a petition filed seeking his prosecution for a decision made during his previous tenure. The petition, submitted to Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, alleges that Siddaramaiah illegally granted a “deemed extension” to eight mining companies, violating the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 2015.
Petitioner H. Ramamurthy claims this decision resulted in a ₹5,000 crore revenue loss to the state exchequer and a ₹500 crore kickback. He alleges the extensions were granted despite outstanding royalties and dues from the companies, and that the government selectively approved only eight of 108 applications. The petition seeks prosecution under Sections 17A and 19 of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Siddaramaiah vehemently denies the allegations, calling them a politically motivated attempt to damage his reputation ahead of potential elections. He claims no revenue loss occurred and that the extensions were conditional and later largely rescinded, citing Supreme Court orders and investigations by the CBI and SIT. He points to previous investigations that were closed due to lack of evidence.
The Governor has yet to make a decision on the petition but is expected to seek clarifications from the Chief Secretary, mirroring the process followed in a previous case involving the Chief Minister’s family. The situation is expected to further escalate political tensions in the state.
First Piper 