Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Credit: PTI File Photo
Bengaluru: The Siddaramaiah-led Congress government on Saturday reminded Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot that he is sitting on the Lokayukta's request seeking prosecution sanction against Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy in connection with illegal iron ore mining.
Briefing reporters after a special Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the Lokayukta had petitioned Gehlot in November 2023 seeking prosecution sanction against Kumaraswamy.
"This pertains to a case in which a bogus company named Sai Venkateshwara Minerals was given 550 acres of valuable mining assets in October 2007 (when Kumaraswamy was the chief minister). This led to the loot of thousands of crores of rupees. It's the Lokayukta saying this, not me," Siddaramaiah said.
"Kumaraswamy's involvement in the loot has been proven in the preliminary investigation, according to Lokayukta," he added.
Siddaramaiah said Lokayukta's prosecution sanction request in February 2024 against former BJP minister Murugesh Nirani was pending before the Governor in connection with a corruption case. Similarly, a prosecution request sanctions against former BJP minister Janardhan Reddy in a disproportionate assets case has seen no action. Likewise, the Governor's office has not initiated action over a prosecution sanction request against former BJP minister Shashikala Jolle.
"In my case, there was so much hurry to sanction prosecution. It shows that it was politically-motivated," Siddaramaiah said.
'Violation of SOPs'
Earlier in the day, Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda said the Governor's decision to sanction Siddaramaiah's prosecution violated the union government's standard operating procedures (SOPs) laid down in September 2021.
The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions issued the SOPs on dealing with cases under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, which refer to obtaining prior approval before investigation.
"It states clearly that a police officer should seek sanction. Which police officer has sought sanction in this case?" Gowda said.
Gowda also pointed out that as per the SOPs, a police officer of the rank of Director General or equivalent should seek prior approval in cases involving a chief minister.
"Going by the SOPs, the Governor's sanction is illegal," Siddaramaiah said.
Cong to seek Gehlot's outster?
Speculation is rife that the ruling Congress may consider approaching President Draupadi Murmu seeking Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot's outster. However, Siddaramaiah said this will be discussed with the Congress high command and the INDI Alliance partners. "We need to discuss this with our high command and INDI Alliance," Siddaramaiah said.