Karnataka Cabinet Advises Prosecution of Kumaraswamy

The Karnataka Cabinet, led by CM Siddaramaiah, has advised Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot to grant prosecution sanctions against Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy and three former BJP ministers, Murugesh Nirani, Shashikala Jolle, and G Janardhan Reddy, who face corruption charges. This move follows repeated requests by the Lokayukta's Special Investigation Team (SIT) to prosecute Kumaraswamy for allegedly granting an illegal mining lease during his tenure as CM in 2007. The Cabinet's decision is seen as a response to public demand for accountability, despite claims of political retaliation. Governor Gehlot had earlier approved prosecution against Siddaramaiah in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam, leading to accusations of selective action. The Governor's office had previously requested additional information from the Lokayukta regarding Kumaraswamy's case, causing delays in the prosecution process.