In a new development in the ongoing conflict between Karnataka’s Raj Bhavan and the state government, Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has escalated the issue by demanding a detailed report on the prosecution of government officials involved in corruption cases. This move adds to the growing tension between the Governor and the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government, which has been grappling with allegations of corruption and maladministration.
On September 5, Governor Gehlot sent a letter to Chief Secretary Shalini Rajaneesh, requesting comprehensive information about the prosecution sanction granted for officials under investigation by the Lokayukta, the state’s anti-corruption ombudsman. The Governor’s letter seeks detailed insights into the handling of corruption cases since the Congress government assumed office in May 2023.
In his communication, Gehlot emphasized the need for a thorough breakdown of the Lokayukta’s prosecution proposals, asking for a precise timeline of when these proposals were submitted for review. The report should include detailed information on the Cabinet’s decisions concerning these cases, specifying whether the proposals were approved or rejected. For cases that received approval, the Governor seeks clarity on the nature of the recommended punishment. Conversely, for rejected proposals, he demands a detailed explanation of the reasons behind such decisions.
In response to the Governor’s request, the vigilance cell within the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms issued an urgent directive on September 10 to all departments. They have been instructed to provide the requested information about Lokayukta’s prosecution sanctions within a week.
This development follows recent political maneuvers involving the Congress government, which had sought sanctions for probes against opposition leaders, including Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, BJP leader G Janardhan Reddy, and former Ministers. These probes, pending approval from the Governor, have been a point of contention, further straining relations between the state government and Raj Bhavan.
On August 17, Governor Gehlot had already granted approval for a probe into Chief Minister Siddaramaiah related to alleged irregularities in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land allotment. The case involves a 3.16-acre parcel of land in Kesaru village, owned by Siddaramaiah’s wife, Parvathi. This land was reportedly acquired by MUDA for development, with Parvathi receiving 14 premium sites in Vijayanagar as compensation under a 50:50 scheme in 2022. Siddaramaiah’s brother-in-law, Malikarjuna Swamy Devaraj, is also implicated in the alleged scam, which involves high-ranking MUDA officials.
The latest request from the Governor underscores the ongoing scrutiny of corruption issues within Karnataka’s political landscape and reflects the persistent friction between the state administration and Raj Bhavan. As the Governor presses for greater transparency and accountability, the resolution of these issues will be closely watched by political observers and the public alike.
