BENGALURU, 19 AUG

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday said his energy gets pumped up during political battles as he appeared unfazed by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot's order giving sanction for investigation against him in connection with irregularities in the allotment of alternative sites by Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA).

"My conscience is clear," declared Siddaramaiah, hours after filing a writ petition in the High Court challenging the order, adding, Supreme Court lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi would argue his case in the HC. "I have faith in the judiciary. I have total confidence in getting relief from court because I have not committed any wrong," he said here.

The Chief Minister recalled that he first became a minister 40 years ago -- on 17 August, 1984 -- and there has not been a "single black spot" in his political career. "My political life is an open book. Using Raj Bhavan, BJP and JD(S) have hatched a conspiracy to tarnish my image," Siddaramaiah said.

Siddaramaiah said the Opposition in the State is under an illusion that if he is finished politically, the entire Congress will also "get finished". "It (their game plan) will not be realised."

Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah criticised Opposition Leader R Ashoka for his comments comparing the current situation with former CM BS Yediyurappa's resignation in 2011. Siddaramaiah accused Ashoka of "demonstrating ignorance" by referencing Yediyurappa's resignation, which followed an investigation report on illegal mining, not merely the Governor's sanction for prosecution.

LoP R Ashoka had demanded CM Siddaramaiah's resignation, comparing the situation to when BS Yediyurappa faced a similar investigation in 2011, based on a private complaint during his tenure. -Agencies