Political Showdown in Karnataka as Governor Sanctions Probe Against CM Siddaramaiah

GG News Bureau
Bengaluru, 21st August. A political slugfest has erupted in Karnataka following Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot’s decision to sanction an investigation against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over alleged irregularities in the allotment of alternative sites by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority. The ruling Congress and the BJP took to the streets on Monday, leading to widespread demonstrations across the state.

Congress leaders and workers staged dharnas, foot-marches, and rallies in various district headquarters, denouncing the Governor’s action and raising slogans against him. Protests were reported in Bengaluru, Udupi, Mangaluru, Hubballi-Dharwad, Vijayapura, Kalaburagi, Raichur, Tumakuru, and Mysuru.

In Bengaluru, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who also serves as the State Congress chief, led a protest at ‘Freedom Park’ alongside several Ministers from the Siddaramaiah Cabinet in what was perceived as a show of strength. “The Governor is making a case out of nothing. This is a murder of democracy, and we will protest it,” Shivakumar said on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the BJP, under the leadership of state chief B Y Vijayendra and Leader of Opposition R Ashoka, held a dharna near Mahatma Gandhi’s statue on the premises of ‘Vidhana Soudha’, demanding Siddaramaiah’s resignation. BJP leaders argued that Siddaramaiah lacks the moral authority to continue as Chief Minister and should step down to allow for a transparent and unbiased investigation.

Former Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda also participated in the BJP’s protest. The political standoff marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP in Karnataka.