<p>The clean chit given by Lokayukta police to Karnataka Chief Minister <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/siddaramaiah">Siddaramaiah</a> in the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam has provided him with a significant boost at a critical juncture. </p><p>The report, which dismissed charges of corruption and irregularities against Siddaramaiah, his wife B M Parvathi, and brother-in-law B M Mallikarjuna Swamy due to a lack of evidence, has come as a lifeline to the Chief Minister, giving him the much-needed breathing space. </p><p>With persistent rumours about his continuation in office and whispers about a seat-sharing arrangement with his deputy, D K Shivakumar, the timing of this exoneration could not have been more opportune. There has been speculation for long that Siddaramaiah would hold office for the first half of the term, with Shivakumar taking over in the second half. </p><p>This has led to intense behind-the-scenes manoeuvring and political shadow boxing, with MLAs from various communities aligning themselves strategically. Against this backdrop, had the findings been adverse, Siddaramaiah’s continuance in office would have been untenable.</p>.<p>While the Lokayukta report has provided temporary relief to Siddaramaiah, it does not mark the end of his troubles, as the road ahead remains fraught with challenges. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating potential money-laundering in the case, keeping the cloud of suspicion alive. </p>.Mechanised sweepers: Deal defies reason.<p>The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has dismissed the clean chit as “expected” and “biased” and has vowed to continue its fight against the Chief Minister. The possibility of the trial court rejecting the Lokayukta report and ordering fresh investigations cannot be ruled out. </p><p>The complainant, Snehamayi Krishna, has already indicated his intention to file objections to the report, ensuring that the legal battle is far from over. Incidentally, the High Court had recently rejected a plea to refer the case to the CBI.</p>.<p>Siddaramaiah’s case is not an isolated one. For years, MUDA has been mired in controversy over serious anomalies and underhand dealings in the allotment of sites. The Lokayukta has stated that the inquiry into the larger corruption angle will continue. </p><p>Only by holding the guilty accountable irrespective of their political affiliation or influence can the Lok Ayukta restore public trust and ensure that such irregularities are not repeated in the future. For now, Siddaramaiah can take solace in the Kannada proverb, Beeso donne thappisi kondare saavira varsha ayassu (If you can escape the swinging stick, you will live a 1,000 years). </p><p>The clean chit offers him a temporary respite, but the political and legal battles ahead will determine if this moment of relief is merely the calm before the storm.</p>
<p>The clean chit given by Lokayukta police to Karnataka Chief Minister <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/siddaramaiah">Siddaramaiah</a> in the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam has provided him with a significant boost at a critical juncture. </p><p>The report, which dismissed charges of corruption and irregularities against Siddaramaiah, his wife B M Parvathi, and brother-in-law B M Mallikarjuna Swamy due to a lack of evidence, has come as a lifeline to the Chief Minister, giving him the much-needed breathing space. </p><p>With persistent rumours about his continuation in office and whispers about a seat-sharing arrangement with his deputy, D K Shivakumar, the timing of this exoneration could not have been more opportune. There has been speculation for long that Siddaramaiah would hold office for the first half of the term, with Shivakumar taking over in the second half. </p><p>This has led to intense behind-the-scenes manoeuvring and political shadow boxing, with MLAs from various communities aligning themselves strategically. Against this backdrop, had the findings been adverse, Siddaramaiah’s continuance in office would have been untenable.</p>.<p>While the Lokayukta report has provided temporary relief to Siddaramaiah, it does not mark the end of his troubles, as the road ahead remains fraught with challenges. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating potential money-laundering in the case, keeping the cloud of suspicion alive. </p>.Mechanised sweepers: Deal defies reason.<p>The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has dismissed the clean chit as “expected” and “biased” and has vowed to continue its fight against the Chief Minister. The possibility of the trial court rejecting the Lokayukta report and ordering fresh investigations cannot be ruled out. </p><p>The complainant, Snehamayi Krishna, has already indicated his intention to file objections to the report, ensuring that the legal battle is far from over. Incidentally, the High Court had recently rejected a plea to refer the case to the CBI.</p>.<p>Siddaramaiah’s case is not an isolated one. For years, MUDA has been mired in controversy over serious anomalies and underhand dealings in the allotment of sites. The Lokayukta has stated that the inquiry into the larger corruption angle will continue. </p><p>Only by holding the guilty accountable irrespective of their political affiliation or influence can the Lok Ayukta restore public trust and ensure that such irregularities are not repeated in the future. For now, Siddaramaiah can take solace in the Kannada proverb, Beeso donne thappisi kondare saavira varsha ayassu (If you can escape the swinging stick, you will live a 1,000 years). </p><p>The clean chit offers him a temporary respite, but the political and legal battles ahead will determine if this moment of relief is merely the calm before the storm.</p>
