Karnataka Housing and Minorities Welfare Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan defended Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the ongoing Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam controversy, dismissing the calls for the CM’s resignation as baseless. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Khan affirmed that Siddaramaiah had no involvement in the MUDA case and should not be pressured to resign.
“MLA GT Devegowda has spoken the truth regarding the MUDA land scam, and even BJP MLA ST Somashekar agrees. Siddaramaiah will remain in office for the full five-year term,” Khan stated.
BJP Criticized Over Double Standards
Khan questioned the BJP’s stance on the matter, pointing out inconsistencies in their demands. He referenced the case involving BJP Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka, where the politician returned disputed land to the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) after issues arose. “If the BJP is demanding Siddaramaiah’s resignation over the MUDA land case, why hasn’t Ashoka resigned for a similar issue?” Khan asked.
The minister argued that the court has only ordered an investigation into the MUDA case, not a resignation, and that the truth would eventually surface.
Khan’s comments came in light of a 2019 Karnataka High Court decision that dismissed criminal proceedings against R. Ashoka in a separate land scam case. Despite this, the BJP continues to demand Siddaramaiah’s resignation over the MUDA land dispute.
Home Minister Highlights BJP’s Contradictions
Earlier, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara had also criticized the BJP’s changing stance on the MUDA case. “The BJP initially said accepting the disputed sites was wrong. Now they claim returning the sites was the mistake,” he said at a press conference.
Amid the political pressure, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah maintained his position, reaffirming that he would not step down. He emphasized that his actions were guided by his conscience and the will of the people. “I became Chief Minister with the blessings of the people, and I will continue to serve with their support,” Siddaramaiah asserted.