"Have Done Nothing Wrong, Confident Of Relief From Court": Karnataka CM On MUDA Scam

Amid MUDA 'scam' allegations, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday said that a writ petition has been filed in the High Court questioning the Governor's permission for prosecution against him in the MUDA case, adding that he is "fully confident" that the Court would grant him relief.

"I haven't done anything wrong, in the writ petition, an injunction to the prosecution is sought as an interim relief. Eminent lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi will argue the writ petition. My conscience is clear, I have done nothing wrong. I have been a minister for 40 years and there is not a single black spot in my political life during this period. I am engaged in the service of people with their blessings. My political life is like an open book. The people of the state also know that I have not done anything wrong. I am fully confident of getting relief in the court," Karnataka CM said.

Responding to BJP's protest demanding his resignation, CM Siddaramaiah claimed that BJP, JDS and the central government have conspired against him using the Raj Bhavan.

"BJP, JDS and the central government have conspired against me using the Raj Bhavan. They have resorted to such an act to smear me with malice. BJP is protesting with malicious intent and we will face this politically. We will take the legal and political fight against this conspiracy. Such political struggles have been carried out continuously and I will fight with more spirit," he added.

He further said that the BJP is living in the "illusion" that they can finish his political career, adding that the successful implementation of guarantee schemes in the state is troubling them.

"The reason for the fear of the opposition is that I am in favour of the poor. The successful implementation of guarantee schemes is troubling them," he said.

Earlier today, Siddaramaiah criticized Leader of the Opposition (LoP) R Ashoka for his comments comparing the current situation with former CM BS Yediyurappa's resignation in 2011. Siddaramaiah accused Ashoka of "demonstrating ignorance" by referencing Yediyurappa's resignation, which followed an investigation report on illegal mining, not merely the Governor's sanction for prosecution.

On Monday, CM Siddaramaiah moved High Court challenging the order issued by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot to prosecute him in the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam.

CM Siddaramaiah filed a writ petition requesting for cancellation of permission given to the prosecution. The MUDA scam surfaced after social activist Snehamayi Krishna filed a complaint against Siddaramaiah and nine others for allegedly forging documents to claim compensation from MUDA. (ANI)