Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, a prominent leader of the Congress party and a significant figure among the backward classes, has become the second Chief Minister in the history of the state to face prosecution while still in office. The first instance was in 2011 when BJP’s B. S. Yediyurappa faced similar charges, leading to a highly publicized legal and political battle.
Back in 2011, Siddaramaiah, who was then in the opposition, had strongly demanded Yediyurappa’s resignation after the latter’s prosecution was sanctioned by then-Governor H. R. Bhardwaj on December 12, 2010. The decision sparked widespread protests from the BJP, with party president K. S. Eshwarappa calling for a statewide bandh. Despite the mounting pressure, Yediyurappa did not immediately resign, instead opting to hold a cabinet meeting to denounce the governor’s decision and fight the charges in court. He eventually resigned after months of political turmoil, particularly following an indictment by then-Lokayukta Santosh Hegde in connection with an illegal mining scandal. In 2016, Yediyurappa was acquitted of the charges.
Now, Siddaramaiah finds himself in a similar position, with opposition parties demanding his resignation amid the prosecution sanction against him. Political analyst Viswas Shetty commented on the situation, noting that it is “certainly not a good development for the state.” Shetty expressed concerns that Karnataka, already perceived as one of the more corrupt states in southern India, could see further damage to its reputation, potentially affecting investment opportunities.
The situation in Karnataka mirrors scenarios in other Indian states where Chief Ministers faced prosecution. Notable examples include J. Jayalalithaa in Tamil Nadu, A. R. Antulay in Maharashtra, and Lalu Prasad Yadav in Bihar, all of whom resigned after the sanction to prosecute them was granted.
As the political drama unfolds, all eyes are on Siddaramaiah and the steps he will take in response to this significant challenge to his leadership. The impact on Karnataka’s political landscape and its future prospects remains to be seen.