Bengaluru: Karnataka's Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan has strongly defended Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, affirming that he will remain in office for the next five years without any fear or hesitation. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Khan confidently stated, "CM Siddaramaiah will undoubtedly complete his five-year term. Do you see any fear on our faces? Our leader is as determined as ever."
Zameer’s comments came in response to discussions surrounding JDS MLA G.T. Devegowda's support for Siddaramaiah during the Mysuru Dasara event. Khan expressed gratitude to Devegowda, noting that he had spoken the truth regarding the MUDA land controversy, clearing CM Siddaramaiah of any wrongdoing. "Devegowda knows the truth about MUDA, and I thank him for his honesty. CM Siddaramaiah has no involvement in the case."
Responding to recent remarks by BJP MLA S.T. Somashekhar, who alleged that MUDA allotted not just one but 120 sites during the BJP's tenure, including one to Siddaramaiah's wife, Zameer clarified that the CM had no direct involvement. "The site was not in Siddaramaiah’s name. It was a piece of land gifted to his wife by her brother, so there is no need for the CM to resign over this matter," Zameer explained, accusing the opposition of trying to tarnish Siddaramaiah's reputation.
Zameer also pointed fingers at BJP leaders, claiming that former Minister R. Ashoka is directly implicated in a land scam. "Ashoka returned 38 guntas of land, yet he has not resigned despite the FIR against him. Why is the opposition not demanding his resignation?" he asked, citing JDS leader G.T. Devegowda's call for Ashoka's resignation.
On the question of internal ministerial meetings, Zameer dismissed rumors, stating that ministers often hold meetings for various reasons, and no wrongdoing should be inferred. He also took a jab at JDS leader H.D. Kumaraswamy, questioning his authority in calling for Siddaramaiah's resignation. "Kumaraswamy himself is out on bail, so who is he to demand the CM's resignation?"
Reiterating his support for CM Siddaramaiah, Zameer confidently declared that both Congress leaders D.K. Shivakumar and D.K. Suresh have echoed their belief that Siddaramaiah will complete his full five-year term. "There is no doubt—Siddaramaiah will remain the CM for the next five years, and everyone agrees on that," Zameer concluded.
Addressing the ongoing investigation into the MUDA land case, Zameer emphasized that the truth will come out in due time, but for now, there is no ethical ground for the CM to step down.