Karnataka governor, Thaawarchand Gehlot, has ‘done a Hansraj Bharadwaj’ , by sanctioning the prosecution of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in connection with an alleged land deal in Mysuru involving his family. The Congress leader has now acquired the dubious distinction of becoming the second CM from the state to face prosecution.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and erstwhile Chief Minister, B. S. Yeddyurappa, had faced a similar action in 2011. He had been accused of being involved in corruption and illegal mining.

The then Governor, Hansraj Bharadwaj, had no hesitation in taking action as the sanction was sought by the state Lokayukta which was probing charges against Yeddyurappa.

In Siddaramaiah’s case there is no such report so far, by any authority concerned. However, the opposition BJP and Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) have been demanding the CM’s resignation ,arguing that “Caesar's wife should be above suspicion.”

They conducted a padayatra from Bengaluru to Mysuru to “expose Siddaramaiah”. However, the CM stood firm while highlighting “his blemishless record in politics”. Siddaramaiah is facing charges of getting prime land being allocated to his wife by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA).

Ironically, Gehlot was appointed governor in 2021 by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ruled central government when the state was under the BJP. In Karnataka, the Congress under Siddaramaiah came to power in 2023.

Governor, Hansraj Bharadwaj, was an appointee of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) when the BJP was ruling the state. Therefore political experts cannot help but read between the lines.

Especially as the ruling party has been accusing the Modi government of playing “vendetta politics.” The Yeddyurappa administration had traded similar charges against the Centre earlier. History has repeated itself now.

Politics apart, Governor Gehlot, in his six-page note detailing his decision, maintained that his action to allow investigation against Siddaramaiah followed the independent examination of the petitions and supporting documents before him.

He stated that he “found it necessary to ensure that a neutral, objective and non-partisan investigation was conducted into the whole affair”. The Governor even overruled the state Cabinet which had advised him to withdraw the show cause notice that his office had issued.

In the same vein, Gehlot also referred to the government’s decision to appoint a single member inquiry committee under Venkatachalapathy, IAS, to probe the allegations against Siddaramiah. Obviously, the reference would be to the fact that a person facing allegations could not be the judge, jury and prosecutor.

Meanwhile, detractors of the Congress argue that the Governor’s sanction amounted to a slap in the face for the ruling party, and Siddramaiah in particular.

Legal experts, however, maintain that Gehlot’s action may only lead to the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) against the CM, with the matter also being heard by a Special Court. In other words, it could be a long drawn affair.

Nevertheless, the development does not augur well for the state as it underlines Karnataka’s notoriety as the “most corrupt state,” more so, as successive governments here have faced similar charges.

The BJP administration under Basavaraj Bommai, was accused of being a “40 per cent commission government”. Even the Yeddyurappa government faced corruption charges, with the Chief Minister even having to spend some time in jail.

These issues apart, Congress insiders believe that the Governor’s sanction comes as a blow to Siddaramaiah’s image. In addition, the development opens up the possibility of a bitter fight in the ruling party for its leadership. A few disgruntled Congressmen may even approach the party’s high command to force the CM to quit. That is, till the issue is settled in the court

So far the ruling party leaders have presented a united front, supporting Siddaramaiah. However, Congress insiders do not rule out the possibility of an ambitious D. K. Shivakumar, the Deputy CM, flexing his muscles now.

That Shivakumar, he has been wanting the CM’s chair for a while, is no secret. Yet, it would be naive to assume that he would initiate any action now, as it would only embarrass the party. It will also hurt his own image, according to his supporters.

Some others feel that Shivakumar can use his influence in ensuring that all party leaders present a united front against the new challenge. “It would be naive on DKS’ part to do otherwise”, a senior leader said.

Meanwhile, the CM’s supporters from the backward communities, particularly from the Ahinda group, are joining hands to back their “tallest leader.” However, the opposition BJP and JD-S have become more aggressive in demanding Siddaramaiah’s resignation, if only to embarrass the ruling party.

Overall, the political buildup in Karnataka is bound to impact the state’s image, at least where foreign investment is concerned. Just two days ago, Foxconn had a major meeting with Siddaramaiah to explore possibilities of huge investments in the state. In addition, several other IT companies are considering proposals to set up shop in the IT capital.

Under the current circumstances, these companies would not be enthused by the latest developments, considering that former CMs of Maharashtra, Bihar and Tamil Nadu, have had to resign, following sanctions for their prosecution earlier. All IT firms want a stable government before they invest in the state.

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