K’taka Housing Minister blames Governor for unrest, defends CM Siddaramaiah amid ‘land scam’ probe

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], August 20 (ANI): Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan has blamed Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot for any potential unrest in the state, amid rising tensions over the Governor's decision to permit an investigation into Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's involvement in the Mysore Development Authority (MUDA) land allotment scam.
During a protest at Freedom Park, organised by Congress leaders against the Governor's approval of Siddaramaiah's prosecution on Monday, Khan vehemently defended the Chief Minister, stating that there is no question of removing him from office.
"No matter what BJP and JDS do, Siddaramaiah cannot be removed from the post of CM. Seniors and seven crore people of the state are in favour of the CM," Khan asserted.
He further accused the Governor of acting as an extension of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), stating, "The governor's office has been made the BJP office. He has given 14 seats in the BJP government."
Khan also suggested that the investigation into Siddaramaiah is politically motivated due to his status as a leader from a backward class, calling the prosecution approval a violation of the constitution.
The protest highlighted the escalating conflict between the state government and the Governor's office, with Khan warning that any disturbances or assaults would be the Governor's responsibility.
He concluded by asserting that the people of Karnataka are vigilant and will not remain silent.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka High Court on Monday asked the trial court concerned not to take any precipitative action against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah based on the Governor's sanction in MUDA 'scam', till the next date of hearing before the High Court.
A bench of Justice M Nagaprasanna posted the plea for hearing on August 29 which was filed by Siddaramaiah challenging the sanction for his prosecution by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot in the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land allotment scam.
While hearing Chief Minister's plea, the High Court said trial shall not take any precipitative action based on the Governor's sanction against Siddaramaiah in the MUDA case, as the High Court is hearing the matter.
The High Court said proceedings before trial court shall be deferred till the next date of hearing before the High Court.
In its order, the bench stated, "It was argued that the proceedings before the trial court are up for orders on whether a sanction should be granted to prosecute the Chief Minister. Any order permitting action to proceed further against the Chief Minister, would frustrate the proceedings before this court. Since the proceedings are pending before this court, the trial court shall defer its proceedings till the next date of hearing. There shall be no precipitative action qua these complaints." (ANI)