Should CM Siddaramaiah Demand a Public Apology from BJP, JD(S)?

Bengaluru, July 21 (NationPress) Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has called for a public apology from the BJP and JD(S) following the Supreme Court's affirmation of the Karnataka High Court's ruling that annulled the ED notice related to the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case.

He stated on Monday, "If the BJP and JD(S) leaders in Karnataka, who have consistently made unfounded accusations against me and my family concerning the MUDA case, wish to uphold even a modicum of dignity and self-regard, they must promptly issue a public apology for their wrongdoings."

"The Supreme Court’s landmark decision rejecting the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) appeal to investigate my wife, B.M. Parvathi, in relation to the MUDA site allotment issue is a significant victory for justice against the Central government. I respectfully acknowledge the ruling delivered by Chief Justice of India, Justice B.R. Gavai, and Justice K. Vinod Chandran. Throughout my extensive political journey, I have always respected the Constitution and the laws of our nation. This verdict from the Supreme Court has reaffirmed and safeguarded this conviction," CM commented.

"The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies, unable to confront me in the political arena, have exploited constitutional investigative bodies such as the CBI and the ED to concoct a false case against my wife. The torment inflicted through such politically driven actions is profoundly regrettable. I will always remember the emotional distress and harassment that my family and I have suffered because of this," CM Siddaramaiah expressed.

"What the Hon’ble Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Gavai, has articulated truly reflects my sentiments -- political conflicts should be resolved through the electorate, not by misusing constitutional agencies like the ED,” he added.

"His statements resonate with the views of every principled Indian who upholds the Constitution. This ruling has restored peace and renewed trust in the judiciary among all those who, over the last decade, have faced the misuse of the IT, CBI, and ED by the Central government and the BJP in their quest for political revenge," CM Siddaramaiah stated.

"Even after this enlightening ruling by the Supreme Court, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah must awaken to the need to cease the exploitation of constitutional agencies like the IT, CBI, and ED. They must restore the independence that these institutions are intended to maintain and cleanse themselves of their wrongdoings," he demanded.

The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed the Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by the ED, which had contested the Karnataka High Court's decision nullifying the ED notice directed at Karnataka CM's wife and Minister Byrathi Suresh.

The CJI bench had criticized the ED notice and expressed dissatisfaction while reviewing the appeal.

Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai noted that he has regrettably encountered similar issues in Maharashtra. "Please do not compel us to express ourselves harshly. Otherwise, we will have to issue some very stern remarks regarding the ED. Let political conflicts be settled among the electorate. Why are you allowing yourself to be utilized for this?" the bench inquired.

The bench further stated, "We do not find any fault with the reasoning provided by the single judge. Given the unique facts and circumstances of this case, we dismiss the petition. We should thank you, ASG, for assisting us in avoiding severe comments."