Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Aug 22: A protest was organized by the Sahabalve Organization near the Udupi District Commissioner's office, opposing the recent sanction of prosecution against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah by Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot in the MUDA case, based on a complaint by private individuals.
Speaking at the event, the director of the Organization, Prof. Phaniraj, clarified, "This protest is not in support of the ruling government. Instead, it is against the conspiracy to destabilize democracy."
He further commented on the Governor's decision, stating, "The Governor has granted permission for prosecution regarding the MUDA scandal that allegedly occurred in 2020. At that time, Siddaramaiah was not the Chief Minister of the state. It is absurd for the Governor to believe that a scandal occurred when Siddaramaiah was not even in power."
Prof. Phaniraj pointed out that several individuals from the opposition BJP were part of the ruling party at the time. G.T. Devegowda was the head of MUDA then. However, without any substantial evidence, the opposition is making allegations, he noted.
The private individuals filed a petition with the Governor on August 25, requesting permission for prosecution. In just one day, the Governor wrote to the Council of Ministers seeking their opinion. When asked if this was appropriate, it was decided that it should not have been done. Despite this, the Governor granted permission for prosecution. While there have been instances where Governors have made decisions using discretion in the past, those were based on clear evidence and legal processes, which did not happen in this case.
The petitioners bypassed the competent authority and directly applied to the Governor for prosecution approval. No authority has investigated this case, and no report has been submitted asking for prosecution. Despite this, the Governor granted permission based solely on the complaint of private individuals, which Prof. Phaniraj deemed an anti-democratic move, aimed at destabilizing the government elected by the people.
He also stated, "Those who came to power through Operation Kamala are not afraid to commit any act. The Governor's approval for prosecution can be seen as a continuation of this. Making such decisions while holding a constitutional position does not align with the principles of democracy. This action, regardless of the government or individual involved, is wrong and should be condemned."
The protest was also addressed by Fr. William Martis, Manjunath Gilyar, Balakrishna Shetty, Idris Hoode, and many others.
A memorandum was later submitted to the Governor through the District Commissioner.
Notable attendees included Veronica Cornelio, Yasin Malpe, Sundar Master, Prasad Kanchan, Prashanth Jattan, Aziz Udyavar, Ashfaq Karkala, Ismail Kidevar, Jabir Khatib, Muhammad Gouse Karkala, Hussain Kodibengre, and Manjunath Gilyar, among others.