Haveri: “Just because someone else makes a mistake, does that give you a license to make one too? The High Court has shed light on new aspects of the MUDA case. To preserve his image and demonstrate morality, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah  must resign,” urged former Chief Minister and Member of Parliament Basavaraj Bommai.

Speaking to the media in Haveri on Thursday, he said this is not just about what BJP or JD(S) are saying; the court is handling the investigation. The opposition is doing its job. A lot has changed since the initial complaint was filed against Siddaramaiah and after the Governor’s approval for th prosecution of Siddaramaiah and the observations made by the People Representatives Court and the High Court. The High Court has highlighted new elements. To safeguard his image and show ethical responsibility, Siddaramaiah should resign,” Bommai added.

Bommai noted that although the Lokayukta has considerable independence, the High Court’s directives still stand. All police officers appointed to the Lokayukta, including ADGPs, CPI, and PSI, are appointed through the Home Minister and the Chief Minister’s office. To uphold morality, support the investigation, the CM must resign. “If the probe gives you a clean chit after three months, then you can always return as Chief Minister”.

About Congress leaders claiming that the BJP lacked the moral authority to speak on the Mudda issue, Bommai replied, “The BJP is not in power now. The MUDA case has come up now. The legal experts will assess it.

On the BJP candidate announcement for the Shiggaon by-election, Bommai said, “There are no fewer than 57 aspirants. We’ve already held two meetings, and discussions have taken place in the core committee. I am meeting with key leaders. Once the election is announced, the candidate will be declared.”

He also humorously addressed the media, saying, “You are the ones spreading the name of former Minister Murugesh Nirani as a potential candidate.”