K'taka govt tightens noose on HDK, 3 BJP leaders in various corruption cases

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: The Karnataka Cabinet on Thursday resolved to offer “aid and advice” to Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on sanctioning prosecution in corruption cases against Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy and three former BJP ministers.

A Special investigation Team (SIT) under Karnataka Lokayukta had written to the Governor requesting sanction against Kumaraswamy on November 21, 2023 under section 19 of the PC Act and provisions of BNSS.

The others include former Industries Minister Murugesh Nirani, who had an application filed against him on February 26, 2024 under Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act, 1988 section 17.

Mining baron G Janardhan Reddy, who rejoined the BJP just before the Lok Sabha elections and merged his Kalyana Karnataka Pragathi Paksha with the saffron party. Reddy had an application filed against him on May 23, 2024 under the section 17 a of the PC Act.

An application was filed against former Women and Child Development Minister Shashikala Jolle on December 9, 2021 under sections 19 and 17 a of PC Act and and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) section 218.

2 chargesheets filed

Law and Parliamentary Affairs HK Patil, during a press conference at the Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, noted that chargesheets had already been filed against Kumaraswamy and Reddy.

“To make the law process smooth, the Cabinet has granted approval to utilize section 163 of the Constitution and give aid and advice to the Governor,” Patil said.

“The advice will be sent to the Governor,” he added. Asked whether the Governor can reject the Cabinet's aid and advice, Patil said: “According to us, he is bound by our advice; his discretion is limited. I am sure he shall use his discretion very judiciously.”

Patil added that several petitions seeking his sanction for prosecution are pending before the Governor, including those submitted by the investigating agencies.

Diversion tactic, says Kumaraswamy

Meanwhile, Union Minister HD K u - maraswamy suggested that the move to push for sanctions against him and the three BJP leaders was a deflection from the case against CM Siddaramaiah.

“Mr Siddaramaiah, I understand your ploy to divert attention from the controversies against you. I can also comprehend your insatiable greed to cling to power by any means necessary and continue to loot the state,” Kumaraswamy posted on X.

He reiterated the claim that his signature in the relevant illegal mining case in Sandur taluk of Ballari district was forged and claimed it was Siddaramaiah who was involved in multiple acts of corruption.

CLP backs Siddu in Muda case

The ruling Congress Legislature Party (CLP) in Karnataka met on Thursday and lent unanimous support to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah after Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot sanctioned his prosecution in the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case.

The meeting attended by CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, MLAs, MLCs and MPs also “condemned” Gehlot’s sanction and accused him of trying to destabilize the state government at the behest of the BJP.

“All the party MLAs stand behind CM Siddaramaiah. All Congress party MLAs, MLCs and MPs participated in the meeting except the six MLAs who are in Delhi for a training session mandated by the Speaker,'' the party said.