Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Sep 24: The Udupi district BJP staged a protest on September 24 at the BJP district office in Kadiyali, Udupi, demanding the resignation of chief minister Siddaramaiah.

Kishore Kumar Kundapura, president of Udupi district BJP, criticised the chief minister's claims of being a non-corrupt leader. He said, "The law is equal for everyone, regardless of status. Siddaramaiah himself announced that he is a non-corrupt political leader, but recent developments are bringing his true side to light. Even after the high court's judgment, they are stating that they will appeal to the Supreme Court, yet refuse to resign and protect his self-respect. Several scams surround Siddaramaiah. Today, he has an opportunity to prove that he is non-corrupt by resigning. We demand that he accept the corruption charges and step down. Our protest will continue until he resigns."

Mattar Rathnakar Hegde, former president of Udupi district BJP, added, "When the private complainant approached the governor with proof of the MUDA scam, the governor consulted legal experts and, with his political experience, made a decision. The cabinet ordered the governor not to give sanction, but the Prevention of Corruption Act (Section 17A) states that permission must be sought before any agency takes action against government officials. After this process, the governor gave the sanction. The government, which claims to support democracy, continues to act against it by challenging the governor's decision. Democracy survives because of legislation, and the legislature affirmed that the governor's decision was right."

General secretary of Udupi district BJP, Reshma Uday Kumar Shetty, former MLA Lalaji Mendon, Dinakar Shetty Herga, media convener Shrinidhi Hegde, former Mahila Ayoga member Shamala Kundar, Shivakumar Ambalpady, and others were present at the press meet.