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Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday said that he will not "back down" in the wake of the allegations regarding the alleged MUDA scam and stated that his "conscience will not be shaken" as long as he has the support of the people.
Speaking at an event in Ashokapuram, part of the Krishnaraja constituency in Mysore, Siddaramaiah said, "You might try to trouble me politically for a couple of months, but I will not back down. My conscience is clear, and as long as I have the people's support, I will not be shaken." This comes after the Lokayukta Police filed an FIR against Siddaramaiah and others in connection with the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land allotment 'scam'. The FIR has been filed by the Mysuru Lokayukta under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 351, 420, 340, 09, and 120B among others. The FIR mentions CM Siddaramaiah, his wife, brother-in-law and others as accused in the case. It is alleged that MUDA illegally allotted 14 sites to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's wife in the prime location of Mysuru city. As the allegations surfaced, BJP has come down guns blazing at the Congress party accusing it of supporting "corrupt" leaders and demanding CM Siddaramaiah's resignation. Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah also inaugurated several important development projects during the event. He highlighted the government's schemes supporting local farmers, announcing the allocation of 0.5 guntas of land each to 245 betel leaf farmers. Additionally, new gyms, community halls, and commercial complexes would be constructed in Doddagaradi and Chikkagaradi. The renovation of a government-model primary school was also launched as part of these initiatives, a release from the Karnataka Chief Minister's office stated. He assured the people of Ashokapuram that the government is committed to providing necessary funds for all essential development activities in the region. He also directed district-in-charge minister HC Mahadevappa to prepare a comprehensive list of development projects, reiterating that the government stands ready to support them. "Siddaramaiah reaffirmed his government's dedication to the principles of social justice, emphasising the importance of ensuring equal opportunities for all, particularly for those who have been historically deprived. He urged the public to engage with Dr BR Ambedkar's teachings, particularly the 10 volumes of Ambedkar's speeches that were translated into Kannada," the release stated. The Karnataka CM further noted that Rs 59,000 crore had been allocated in the Karnataka budget to implement the five guarantee schemes. He said these programs are designed to benefit people from all communities, regardless of caste, religion, or background. He contrasted this with the national budget, pointing out that while only Rs 60,000 crore is allocated for Dalit development from a Rs 48 lakh crore budget, Karnataka has taken a more equitable approach by reserving funds based on population, as per the release. "Siddaramaiah assured that, despite the false propaganda from opposition parties, these guarantee schemes will continue uninterrupted, ensuring that the benefits reach those who need them most," the release added. The event was attended by Karnataka Minister HC Mahadevappa, MLA Srivatsa, MLC Dr Timmaiah, and other dignitaries. (ANI)
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