Former Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde has called for the resignation of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, following allegations of his involvement in a MUDA site allotment scam. Hegde stated that the high court's declaration for an investigation into the matter clearly shows the chief minister's implication in the scandal. He further criticized the provision requiring the sanction of public servants in such cases and called for its abolishment.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah Faces Resignation Calls Amid MUDA Site Scam Allegations
Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is facing mounting pressure to resign following allegations of his involvement in a multi-crore land scam involving the allotment of sites by the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA).
Background
In 2012, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), then in opposition, filed a complaint with the Lokayukta against Siddaramaiah, alleging irregularities in the allotment of 53 acres of prime land in Mysore to private individuals. The Lokayukta, a state-appointed anti-corruption agency, initiated an investigation.
In 2017, the Karnataka High Court directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate the case. The CBI registered a First Information Report (FIR) and began its probe.
Allegations Against Siddaramaiah
The allegations against Siddaramaiah include:
Resignation Calls
Former Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde has called for Siddaramaiah's immediate resignation, stating that the high court's order for an investigation is a clear indication of his involvement in the scam. Various opposition parties, including the BJP and the Janata Dal (Secular), have also demanded his resignation.
Siddaramaiah's Defense
Siddaramaiah has denied all allegations and has stated that he is ready to face any investigation. He has accused the opposition of politically motivated attacks and has asserted his innocence.
Top 5 FAQs
1. What is MUDA?
MUDA is a government body responsible for the development of Mysore city in Karnataka.
2. What are the allegations against Siddaramaiah?
He is accused of influencing the allotment of MUDA sites to favor his associates and close relatives.
3. Who is investigating the case?
The CBI is investigating the case on the orders of the Karnataka High Court.
4. Why has Justice Santosh Hegde called for Siddaramaiah's resignation?
He believes that the high court's order for an investigation is a clear indication of Siddaramaiah's involvement in the scam.
5. What is Siddaramaiah's response to the allegations?
He has denied all allegations and is ready to face any investigation.
The Election Commission of India has announced the dates for the upcoming assembly polls in Jammu & Kashmir and Haryana to take place in 2024. The assembly elections are expected to be highly competitive, with major political parties gearing up for the polls. The results of these elections will have a significant impact on the political landscape of both states. Stay updated with the latest developments and analyses of the polls by following us for all the updates.
The counting of votes for the Sirsa Assembly constituency in Haryana is underway, with Haryana Lokhit Party's Gopal Kanda currently in the lead. In a surprising turn of events, BJP candidate Rohtash Jangra withdrew his candidature and announced his support for Kanda. The poll battle in Sirsa was between Kanda and Congress candidate Gokul Setia, with Kanda receiving the backing of BJP and INLD-Bahujan Samaj Party alliance. The constituency, one of the 90 in Haryana, has witnessed a direct fight between two strong opponents, making it an important seat to watch.
As the votes for Haryana's Assembly Elections are counted, all eyes are on the potential return to power for Congress after a decade in opposition. The state saw a 67.9% voter turnout, with notable faces and key parties like BJP, Congress, AAP, INLD-BSP and JJP-Azad Samaj Party in the fray. With exit polls predicting a potential Congress victory, it could have a significant impact on upcoming state elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand. Congress leaders Kumari Selja and Deepender Singh Hooda express confidence in their party's prospects, but the final decision on a chief ministerial candidate will be made by the party's high command.
Leaders from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), including Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, have praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the United States. They have lauded his efforts to deepen ties between the two nations and attract investments, especially in cutting-edge technology areas. The warm welcome accorded to PM Modi by world leaders and the Indian diaspora symbolizes his strong leadership. Additionally, his address to the United Nations is a testament to India's growing importance and role on the global stage.
With the final results of the Assembly elections in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir set to be announced tomorrow, experts predict a sweeping victory for the Congress in Haryana and a hung House in Jammu and Kashmir. The BJP and Congress-NC alliance have emerged as the key contenders in J&K, with the BJP relying on the support of the Pahari and Padari communities, while the Congress is banking on votes from the Jammu region. As per the J&K Reorganisation Act, all five nominated members to the Assembly will be from the BJP, with four hailing from Jammu and one from Kashmir.
Controversial priest Yati Narsinghanad of Dasna Devi temple in Ghaziabad is facing backlash and multiple FIRs over a hate speech. Mohammed Zubair, co-founder of Alt News, has also been booked for allegedly provoking violence against the priest by sharing edited videos. Police have filed an FIR against Zubair for promoting enmity between religious groups and inciting radical sentiments against Narsinghanand, leading to a potential attack on the temple. As the situation continues to escalate, police are investigating the matter and taking action against those provoking people on social media.
The Congress party in Maharashtra has launched 'Shakti Abhiyan', a campaign to empower women across the state. State president Nana Patole highlighted the positive response received by the Indira Gandhi Fellowship programme, under which the campaign was started a year ago. The campaign will be conducted at various levels and aims to bring women's leadership to the forefront. Patole also criticized the Modi government for not implementing the women's reservation bill, while assuring that the Congress will do so when in power.
Amidst a closely contested election between the BJP and Congress in Haryana, the issue of parole being granted to convicted rapist and Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh has raised questions about the violation of the Model Code of Conduct. Both the Congress and a victim's son have flagged this issue and urged the Chief Election Commissioner to intervene. This parole would be the 10th granted to Rahim in the past two years, sparking concern about his potential influence in the polls. The controversy highlights the need for unbiased news coverage in the midst of political agendas.
After Susanna Reid faced backlash for questioning Labour MP Rachel Reeves about her clothing expenses, viewers of Good Morning Britain took to social media to voice their criticism towards the host's perceived hypocrisy. This incident occurred during a discussion of the Labour party's donation controversy, in which officials have been scrutinized for accepting large sums of gifts and hospitality. The show's co-host, Richard Madeley, was also involved in the conversation, but it was Reid's remarks that sparked the most outrage on Monday morning.
In a press conference, Tirupati MLA Arani Srinivasulu showed his support for Jana Sena chief and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan's recent declaration to protect Sanatana Dharma. He stated that the declaration has come at a crucial time when the religion is facing threats from various forces. Srinivasulu also mentioned the steps taken by the NDA government to revamp the TTD administration and the recent findings of adulterated ghee. He welcomed the Supreme Court's direction and urged everyone to support Pawan Kalyan's "Dharma Poratam".