Bengaluru: The MUDA scam has escalated into a major political controversy in Karnataka, putting the state government and Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot at odds. The latest development has seen Governor Gehlot take the issue to the highest authorities, forwarding a detailed report to both the President of India and the Union Home Ministry, citing concerns over increasing protests and alleged pressure tactics by the state government about the scam.
The conflict began after Governor Gehlot granted permission for the prosecution of individuals involved in the MUDA (Mysore Urban Development Authority) scandal, which has embroiled several prominent figures. This move triggered protests led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and KPCC President DK Shivakumar, who have mounted a strong legal challenge against the Governor’s decision. The governor’s decision to allow prosecution is seen by the state government as a political ploy, further intensifying the tensions between the Raj Bhavan and the Karnataka administration.
In his report to the President, Governor Gehlot highlighted the volatile situation in the state, pointing out that the government and Congress leaders have been engaging in widespread protests. The Governor mentioned that public functions have been disrupted, effigies of him have been burned in multiple locations, and there have even been threats of storming the Raj Bhavan by angry Congress workers. The protests have been fueled by anger over what the Congress sees as political bias in the Governor’s actions.
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Moreover, Gehlot claimed that he is facing personal security threats, which have led to him being provided with a bulletproof vehicle on the advice of the Intelligence Department. The report also indicates that some state ministers and leaders have deliberately stoked a “Go Back Governor” campaign, further inflaming tensions between the state and the Governor’s office.
Governor Gehlot’s report is a clear indication that he believes the situation is spiraling out of control, with the potential for further unrest. He has called on the Union Home Ministry and the President to take note of the growing political crisis, adding that he feels under siege due to the sustained protests orchestrated by the ruling Congress party.
At the heart of the issue is the controversial MUDA scam, which has seen accusations of land misallocation and financial mismanagement involving several political figures. The Congress, under the leadership of CM Siddaramaiah, has launched a legal battle to counter the Governor’s decision to allow prosecution. However, the situation has now reached a tipping point, with the protest movements turning increasingly aggressive.
KPCC President DK Shivakumar has been at the forefront of the protests, calling for state-wide demonstrations at district headquarters to pressure the Governor into withdrawing his decision. The Ahinda community , a key support base for Siddaramaiah, has also joined the protests, further intensifying the conflict. During these protests, slogans like “Go Back Governor” were chanted, and portraits of Governor Gehlot were publicly burned, showcasing the depth of the animosity.
The Governor’s decision to escalate the matter to the President and Union Home Ministry has added a new dimension to the ongoing standoff. With this official complaint now lodged, there are significant questions about what steps will be taken next.
The report raises the stakes for CM Siddaramaiah, who is already embroiled in a legal battle over the prosecution order. If the President or Union Home Ministry decides to intervene, it could create further complications for the state government and its leadership. The MUDA scam, which started as a local issue, has now transformed into a full-blown constitutional and political crisis, drawing national attention.
As the confrontation between the Karnataka government and Raj Bhavan escalates, all eyes are on what action the President and the Union Home Ministry will take in response to the Governor’s complaint. The deepening rift between the state’s executive branch and the Governor’s office could have significant ramifications for the state’s political landscape in the coming weeks.
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