The Karnataka High Court is set to announce its verdict on Tuesday regarding Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s petition challenging Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot’s approval for three individuals to file corruption cases against him. These allegations pertain to land granted to his wife, Parvathi, by the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA).

Justice M. Nagaprasanna is expected to deliver the ruling around noon, but regardless of the outcome, the matter is likely to escalate to the Supreme Court. During the arguments that concluded on September 12, Siddaramaiah’s legal team contended that the Governor failed to adequately justify his August 16 sanction order. They pointed out that while the Governor acted with “unusual urgency” in this case, he took nearly three years to deny a similar request for investigating former BJP minister Shashikala Jolle.

The lawyers representing the complainants—Pradeep Kumar S. P., T. J. Abraham, and Snehamayi Krishna—asserted that the sanction under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act was legally valid, allowing an investigation into any potential links between the Chief Minister and the questioned land allotments.

The court’s decision will significantly impact state politics. A ruling in Siddaramaiah’s favor could bolster his standing within the party and enhance his negotiating power with the Governor, particularly as tensions rise over Vice-Chancellor appointments. Conversely, an unfavorable ruling could empower the Opposition, which has been actively targeting the government over corruption allegations, and could potentially destabilize the Congress party itself.

In recent developments, as Siddaramaiah initiated legal action against the Governor, the Congress rallied behind him and launched an offensive against Gehlot. However, if Siddaramaiah’s position weakens after the ruling, questions will arise regarding the loyalty of his supporters and the future of Deputy CM D. K. Shivakumar, who has publicly backed him.

Signs of discontent are already emerging within the Congress. Some of Siddaramaiah’s loyalists have hinted at their willingness to step in as Chief Minister should he face legal challenges. Detractors within the party view this as a maneuver to position multiple contenders for leadership and keep Shivakumar at bay.

When Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar agreed to collaborate in May 2023, Shivakumar’s camp asserted that the party’s high command had endorsed a two-and-a-half-year term-sharing agreement. If Siddaramaiah’s legal issues jeopardize his position, will Shivakumar consider it his opportunity to lead? Such a shift would present another delicate balancing act for the Congress high command, as any abrupt leadership change could alienate Backward Class voters, a critical support base for Siddaramaiah.

Other Political Developments Today:

In Rajasthan, the BJP government is expected to appoint an acting mayor for the Jaipur Municipal Corporation Heritage (JMCH) on Tuesday evening. This follows the suspension of Congress Mayor Munesh Gurjar over bribery allegations and the initiation of a judicial inquiry against her. Despite Congress holding the majority in the JMCH, the acting mayor will be chosen from BJP councillors, according to Urban Development Minister Jhabar Singh Kharra.

Additionally, an Election Commission team led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar is in Jharkhand to assess poll readiness. On Tuesday, the team will meet with district election officers and law enforcement officials.