Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has firmly declared his readiness to face an investigation in connection with the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment case. Responding to a Special Court’s directive ordering the Lokayukta police to probe the matter, Siddaramaiah reiterated his stance, stating, “I am not afraid of a probe. I have said before that I am ready to face any investigation, and I stand by it.”
The investigation stems from allegations surrounding the allotment of 14 sites by MUDA to the Chief Minister’s wife, B M Parvathi. A complaint lodged by RTI activist Snehamayi Krishna led to the Special Court, exclusively handling criminal cases against MPs and MLAs, ordering the Lokayukta police in Mysuru to initiate an investigation under Section 156(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). The court has set a deadline of December 24 for the submission of the investigation report.
The case gained momentum after the Karnataka High Court upheld Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot’s sanction to probe Siddaramaiah. The Governor’s approval came in response to allegations that the sites allotted to Parvathi were in a prime location in Mysuru, with significantly higher property values compared to her original land, which MUDA had acquired to develop a residential layout.
Under MUDA’s controversial 50:50 scheme, landowners whose property was acquired for residential layouts were given developed plots in return. The crux of the complaint is that Parvathi allegedly had no legal title to the 3.16 acres of land in Kasare village, Mysuru, which were exchanged for the prime MUDA sites.
Siddaramaiah, however, remains resolute. “I am prepared for a legal fight. This is not new to me, and I am ready to defend myself in court,” he told reporters. He explained that the case was referred to the Mysuru Lokayukta because the complaint originated in Mysuru and MUDA operates within the city.
The Special Court’s order came shortly after the High Court vacated its interim directive, which had paused the case. The court dismissed Siddaramaiah’s challenge to the Governor’s approval for the investigation, paving the way for the Lokayukta probe.
As the investigation unfolds, the opposition BJP has increased its demands for Siddaramaiah’s resignation. “A fair investigation cannot happen while Siddaramaiah remains in power. He should step down immediately,” Karnataka BJP posted on X.
The political landscape in Karnataka is set to witness a fresh round of debates, with the Lokayukta investigation potentially stirring up more controversy in the coming months. For now, Siddaramaiah stands firm, ready to defend his position as the probe progresses.
