CM Gets a Respite in the Muda Case; The Fight Goes On

The Lokayukta police's closure report in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) sites allotment case has come as a much-needed breather for embattled Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

- Ramu Patil Assistant Resident Editor

While legal processes in the case will continue and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe hangs like the Sword of Damocles, the latest development seems to have come in handy for the CM to regain some lost ground, politically.

The consolation in the case—which rattled the state administration and put his party on the back foot—comes amid his preparation to present his 16th state budget, his party gearing up for the local bodies' polls, and the rising clamour for a change of guard in the party. The budget will be presented on March 7 during the session that starts from March 3. The report, which came days before the start of the session, is expected to help Congress defang the Opposition's attack over the issue in the Assembly and the Council. At this juncture, an adverse report from the Lokayukta would have immediately pushed the CM and his government into a major crisis.