Withdrawal of CBI consent by the state government adds a new dimension to the controversy over CM’s role in land scam
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has firmly refused to step down amidst allegations of his involvement in a decades-old land scam. Rejecting calls from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for his resignation, the embattled chief minister sought to take the battle to the saffron party’s Achilles heels questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s role during the 2002 Gujarat riots.
“Did Narendra Modi resign when the Gujarat riots claimed hundreds of lives?” Siddaramaiah questioned while addressing the media on Thursday. He also targeted Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, who is currently out on bail, asking, “Did Kumaraswamy resign? Whose cabinet is he in, and whose government is he serving?” He declared, “I will not resign under any circumstances. I will fight this case legally.”
The accusations against Siddaramaiah stem from a land allotment case dating back nearly three decades. After Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot granted permission for an inquiry into the matter, the chief minister moved the court challenging the decision. Despite this, the Karnataka High Court upheld the Governor’s decision, leading to renewed pressure from opposition parties for his resignation.
However, Siddaramaiah maintains his innocence, asserting that the BJP’s accusations are politically motivated. “I have done nothing wrong, and I will not step down just because they say so,” he said.
In a significant development, the government withdrew its general consent for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe cases in the state, citing the agency’s “bias.” State Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil announced the decision following a Cabinet meeting chaired by Siddaramaiah.
“The notification granting general consent to the CBI has been withdrawn,” Patil stated. “This step was taken because it is evident that the CBI is being used as a tool by the Central government. We will evaluate every case before granting permission for CBI involvement.”
The withdrawal of consent for the CBI comes at a time when several states across India have accused the Central government of using investigative agencies for political gains. According to the law, the CBI requires the consent of state governments to operate within their jurisdiction.
Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah has found support from the National Ahinda Organisation, a non-governmental body that advocates for the rights of minorities and backward communities in Karnataka. The organisation has announced a march in support of the chief minister on 3 October. Leaders from Dalit, backward, and Ahinda communities have vowed to stand by Siddaramaiah.
“We will create awareness among the Ahindas and ensure that Siddaramaiah does not resign,” a representative of the organisation said. “He has our full support.”
The political climate in Karnataka continues to heat up as the chief minister resists pressure from both the BJP and the legal challenges mounted against him. With his refusal to resign, the state is set for further political showdowns, particularly as the CBI consent issue adds a new dimension to the ongoing controversy.
