Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar has thrown his full weight behind CM Siddaramaiah in the MUDA land scam case. In an exclusive interview with India Today, Shivakumar said Congress stands 100% with Siddaramaiah and that there is no evidence against him.
Terming the development a “political drama” by BJP, Shivakumar said there is no question of Siddaramaiah resigning. He made it clear that the party and law will protect the CM.
Shivakumar opined Governor Gehlot should not have granted prosecution sanction without awaiting the investigative commission’s report. He also appealed to President Murmu to intervene and roll back the order.
The Deputy CM emphasized Congress’ continued support for Siddaramaiah from top leaders to workers. Calling BJP “cunning foxes”, he accused them of political vendetta and destabilization attempts, including poaching of MLAs.
On reportedly becoming the next CM, Shivakumar said the decision lies with the high command. He took a veiled swipe at BJP’s ally JD(S), saying even Kumaraswamy would backstab them.
The alleged scam relates to irregular land allotments benefiting Siddaramaiah’s wife in place of her acquired agricultural plot in Mysuru. However, Shivakumar vehemently denied any wrongdoing by the CM.
Congress has also highlighted the delay in a similar prosecution sanction against Kumaraswamy in a mining case. With assembly elections fast approaching, political mudslinging continues unabated in Karnataka.
