BENGALURU, 1 OCT

State BJP Chief BY Vijayendra on Tuesday said the decision of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's wife Parvathi BM to relinquish the ownership of 14 plots amounts to his official acceptance of wrongdoing in the MUDA 'scam' and demanded his immediate resignation.

Vijayendra termed her move a "political drama" and alleged that it was aimed at "escaping from legal hurdles". "I feel that Siddaramaiah, who used to claim before people of the State that he has done no wrong, who accused the Governor of acting as a puppet in the hands of Delhi (Central government), today if that Siddaramaiah has decided to return the sites, it is only to escape from the legal hurdles and to gain political sympathy, and also against those within in his party who are ready to challenge him," Vijayendra said.

Noting that when Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot gave approval for investigation based on private complaints against the Chief Minister, Congress President, Ministers and leaders had made allegations that his decision was politically motivated and that he was acting as the puppet in the hands of the central government, Vijayendra demanded that before resigning as Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah should apologise to the Governor.

He also urged the Home Minister and the Director General of Police to immediately ensure proper police security to social activist Snehamayi Krishna on whose complaint Lokayukta police has registered an FIR against Siddaramaiah, his wife and two others, claiming that there were reports about "conspiracies" against him. "Snehamayi Krishna, who is from Mysuru, when accused Siddaramaiah of corruption, complaints were registered against him, aimed at tying his hands. There were attempts to threaten him at the behest of the Chief Minister by his supporters," he alleged.

Citing recent statements by Minister HC Mahadevappa that some leaders in Congress were waiting for Siddaramaiah to resign, and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge reportedly giving some indications, Vijayendra said, according to his information, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Home Minister G Parameshwara on Monday discussed the need for Siddaramaiah to resign immediately as it was not possible to defend him anymore, and embarrassment is being caused to the party. –PTI