BENGALURU: Chief minister Siddaramaiah’s picture as a paragon of integrity faces a extreme check following the governor’s approval to prosecute him for alleged irregularities in acquiring Mysore City Improvement Authority (Muda) various websites. The transfer threatens to sully Siddaramaiah’s fastidiously cultivated ‘Mr Clear’ popularity.
One of the influential Congress CMs, Siddaramaiah has dismissed the accusations as unfounded.He’s decided to counter the fees legally and politically, insisting on his innocence and difficult his critics to show wrongdoing. However because the case progresses, Siddaramaiah will doubtless face escalating strain from all sides.
In his handle throughout the valedictory of the Janandolana rallies, organised to counter the BJP-JD(S) padayatra, he defended his clear file, asserting, “I don’t personal some other websites or properties. I offered two properties to repay a mortgage, and I presently maintain one for my retirement.”
Solely the second Karnataka chief minister after Devaraj Urs to finish a full five-year time period, Siddaramaiah has lengthy been identified for his dedication to Dr Ram Manohar Lohia’s socialist beliefs. His political profession started in 1978, impressed by reputed farmers chief Prof Nanjunda Swamy, and he joined the Congress in 2006. Apart from his clear picture and simple method, his efforts to consolidate Ahinda (Kannada acronym for minorities, backward lessons, and Dalits) votes have set him aside.
Nonetheless, analyst MN Patil argues that the alleged Muda and Valmiki ST company growth scams have considerably tarnished Siddaramaiah’s popularity. “His scenario mirrors that of former chief ministers BS Yediyurappa and S Ban- garappa, each of whom confronted backlash over corruption allegations,” Patil mentioned.
Some senior ministers additionally criticized Siddaramaiah for his dealing with of celebration dynamics, noting his failure to seek the advice of senior functionaries like KPCC chief DK Shivakumar and his sidelining of previous allies corresponding to KJ George, MB Patil, and HC Mahadevappa price him pricey. “He granted extreme leeway to members of the family and concrete growth minister Byrathi Suresh, who hails from the Kuruba group,” they mentioned. This method is paying homage to Yediyurappa’s downfall, which additionally stemmed from prioritising household over senior celebration members.
Furthermore, Siddaramaiah’s confrontations with the central govt over numerous points have been deemed a strategic error. “Whereas his political stance has been right, as chief minister, he ought to have revered the federal construction and maintained a cooperative relationship with the Centre to advance the state’s progress,” Patil mentioned.
Already, some Congress members are reportedly contemplating various management choices, with Shivakumar eyeing the chief minister’s function. The approaching weeks shall be essential as Siddaramaiah navigates this mounting political storm.
