Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Faces Trouble Over MUDA Land Allotment

Hubballi, Karnataka - Former Chief Minister and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai has commented on the recent actions of Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and his wife regarding the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land allotment. Bommai stated that by returning the MUDA site, CM Siddaramaiah has complicated the situation further.

Bommai's Comments

Speaking to the media, Bommai said, "Had an investigation been conducted through High Court judges, the matter would have been resolved. No questions regarding Siddaramaiah's integrity would have arisen. However, back then, they defended themselves. Now that the Governor has granted permission for prosecution, a case has been registered, and an investigation has taken place. With the site being returned now, many questions have arisen, and by returning the site, they have made the issue more complicated."

ED Investigation

On Monday, after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) booked CM Siddaramaiah for money laundering linked to the alleged MUDA land allotment scam, his wife offered to surrender the 14 plots allotted to her. Bommai emphasized that an investigation must follow the filing of the FIR. He said, "On one hand, a Lokayukta investigation is underway, and on the other, the ED has registered an FIR and is conducting an investigation. It makes evident that the allotment of 14 sites to his family was illegal. Initially, Congress leaders claimed there was no wrongdoing. But now, by returning the site, they have admitted a mistake."

Political Reactions

Bommai also reminded everyone of Siddaramaiah's past comments about BJP leader Yediyurappa returning a site. "Back then, Siddaramaiah had remarked that Yediyurappa, by returning the site, had admitted to his mistake. The same applies to Siddaramaiah now. By returning the site, they have admitted to illegalities," he added.

Meanwhile, Congress MLA and political advisor to Karnataka CM, BR Patil, alleged that the BJP is trying to put CM Siddaramaiah in jail. "Siddaramaiah is a popular leader of south India. He wants to bring change, and the BJP doesn't want change. So they are trying to put an allegation on the CM and efforts are on to put him in jail," Patil said.

CM Siddaramaiah's Response

CM Siddaramaiah has hardened his position on the allegations, stating that he would not resign and would fight the case legally. He distinguished his situation from that of BS Yeddyurappa, stating that his case did not involve land denotification. He explained that the land in question was gifted to his wife by her brother and that MUDA had encroached upon it. He asserted that the situation has escalated into political conflict and that the allegations of money laundering are "not relevant" to his case.

Lokayukta Investigation

The Mysuru Lokayukta has officially started the inquiry and investigation into the MUDA land allotment scam, following a court order to file an FIR and conduct an investigation against Siddaramaiah on the allegation of illegalities in the allotment of 14 sites worth Rs 56 crore to his wife Parvathi by the MUDA.