Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has granted sanction to prosecute Congress leader and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in an alleged scam related to the irregularities in the distribution of sites by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority, PTI reported on Saturday.

The sanction was granted based on petitions filed by three persons named TJ Abraham, Pradeep and Snehamayi Krishna, the news agency quoted unidentified officials as saying.

The governor’s sanction is necessary in order to pursue a private complaint against a chief minister in corruption cases. A court will subsequently decide if a first information report can be registered in the case on the basis of the private complaint and the sanction given by the governor.

Siddaramaiah on Saturday called the governor’s decision illegal and alleged that it was an attempt to “overthrow the elected government” in the state. “There are attempts to destabilise the government through the governor and he is working as a puppet of the central government,” ANI quoted Siddaramaiah as saying.

“The entire [state] Cabinet condemns the governor’s decision,” Siddaramaiah said. “The governor should work as the representative of the Constitution but the governor is working as the representative of the central government. The governor is acting as a BJP [Bharatiya Janata Party] representative.”

The chief minister said that he had the backing of the Congress leadership amid the controversy.

Responding to the sanction, Congress spokesperson Ramesh Babu on Saturday said that his party will launch a legal fight to “nullify” Gehlot’s move, The Indian Express reported.

The BJP on Saturday demanded Siddaramaiah’s resignation.

“Given the substantial evidence and serious allegations of corruption and favouritism within the Congress government, it is crucial that the chief minister steps down,” BJP state chief BY Vijayendra said on social media. “Resigning would allow for a transparent and unbiased investigation, ensuring that the dignity of the chief minister's office is maintained and that justice is served.”

The alleged scam pertains to the allotment of 14 housing sites to Siddaramaiah’s wife, Parvati, in 2021 by the Mysore Urban Development Authority in return for the acquisition of 3.16 acres of land owned by her.

On July 26, Gehlot issued a show cause notice to the chief minister seeking a reply within seven days on the allegations against him, PTI reported. The notice was issued based on the petition filed by Abraham.

On August 1, the state government urged the governor to withdraw the notice, alleging the “gross misuse” of his constitutional office.