Karnataka Governor Allows Prosecution of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in MUDA Scam
Bengaluru, Karnataka – In a significant development, Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has granted permission to prosecute Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in connection with the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam. This decision was announced on August 17, according to sources from the Raj Bhavan.
The Karnataka government has decided to challenge this move and will approach the High Court against the governor’s permission for prosecution.
Details of the Order
An order issued by the Karnataka Governor’s Secretariat stated, “As directed by the Hon’ble Governor, I am enclosing herewith the copy of the decision of the Competent Authority on the request of sanction for prosecution against the Chief Minister Shri. Siddaramaiah, under section 17 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and section 218 of the Bharathiya Nagarika Suraksha Samhitha, 2023 for the commission of the alleged offences mentioned in the petitions.”
Background of the Allegations
Social activist Snehamayi Krishna had filed a complaint against CM Siddaramaiah and nine others, accusing them of forging documents to claim compensation from MUDA. The complaint alleges that Siddaramaiah, his wife BM Parvathi, and his brother-in-law Malikarjuna Swamy Devaraj were involved in creating fake documents to obtain valuable plots.
CM Siddaramaiah’s Response
Refuting the allegations, CM Siddaramaiah stated, “In the case of MUDA, everything was done according to law. I have not exerted any kind of influence on the allotment of the plot. My wife has been given a replacement plot in 2021 during the BJP government period as per the law.”
He further added, “In 2014, when I was the Chief Minister, my wife applied for a replacement site as MUDA had illegally acquired our land. At that time I did not take any action in this regard. BJP and JDS parties are making allegations against me intending to destabilize the government.”
Political Reactions
CM Siddaramaiah also criticized former Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa and his son BY Vijayendra, the state BJP President. He said, “Yeddyurappa, who is charge-sheeted in such a case at the age of 82, has no morals to talk about me. He should retire from public life if he has morals. There are more than 20 cases against him, I am going to give detailed information about this.”
Earlier in the month, Congress launched the ‘Jan Andolan Yatra’ to counter the BJP’s padayatra, which highlighted the alleged MUDA scam involving Siddaramaiah’s wife BM Parvathi. The opposition has demanded that the land given to the CM’s family should be returned, accusing Siddaramaiah of taking lands that belonged to the Dalit community.
Doubts Revealed
Karnataka Governor -: The Karnataka Governor is the head of the state of Karnataka, appointed by the President of India. The current Governor is Thaawarchand Gehlot.
Prosecution -: Prosecution means taking legal action against someone for a crime. In this case, it means taking Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to court for the alleged scam.
Chief Minister -: The Chief Minister is the head of the government in a state in India. Siddaramaiah is the current Chief Minister of Karnataka.
MUDA Scam -: MUDA stands for Mysuru Urban Development Authority. The scam involves allegations of illegal activities related to land and compensation claims.
High Court -: The High Court is a higher level of court in India that deals with important legal cases. The Karnataka government plans to challenge the Governor’s decision in this court.
Social activist -: A social activist is a person who works to bring about social change. In this case, Snehamayi Krishna is the activist who filed the complaint.
Forging documents -: Forging documents means making fake documents to deceive others. Siddaramaiah and others are accused of doing this to get compensation from MUDA.
Compensation -: Compensation is money given to someone to make up for a loss or damage. In this case, it refers to money claimed from MUDA.
Opposition -: The opposition refers to political parties or groups that are not in power and often challenge the actions of the ruling party. They are demanding the return of the land given to Siddaramaiah’s family.
