Siddaramaiah rejects BJP”s demand for CBI probe into MUDA ”scam”

Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday rejected BJP’s demand for a CBI probe into alleged irregularities in allotment of sites to land losers, including his wife Parvathi, by Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), as he stoutly denied any wrongdoing.

Terming the allegations against him by the opposition party as “political”, he questioned whether his family has to give up their land, just because as he is Chief Minister.

The BJP has alleged that alternative sites were also allotted to Parvathi in an upmarket area in Mysuru, which had higher property value as compared to the location of her land which had been “acquired” by the MUDA, and sought his resignation.

A BJP leader alleged Rs 4,000 crore in irregularities, citing violations in the allotment of 4,500-5,000 sites. Siddaramaiah, however, defended the allotments, stating they are on hold pending investigation. While the BJP tried to lay siege to the MUDA office, they were detained by police.

The Chief Minister retorted against the BJP’s CBI probe demands, arguing the BJP did not initiate similar investigations during their tenure. Urban Development Minister B S Suresha has sanctioned an internal probe. Home Minister G Parameshwara mentioned that the government’s stand against the BJP’s CBI probe demands remains firm. He reiterated that all raised issues would be addressed promptly.