Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah to be Prosecuted in MUDA Land Scam Case
Image Source: India Today
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is set to face prosecution over alleged irregularities in land allotments by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA). This comes after Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot approved the prosecution based on petitions filed by three activists: Pradeep Kumar, T.J. Abraham, and Snehamayi Krishna.
Governor’s Endorsement and Legal Basis
The Governor’s endorsement to prosecute Siddaramaiah follows a petition filed by T.J. Abraham, who alleged that irregularities in the allotment of land in Mysuru led to a loss of ₹45 crore to the state’s exchequer. Abraham’s petition claimed that 14 alternative sites were illegally allotted to Siddaramaiah’s wife, B.M. Parvathi, during his previous tenure as Chief Minister. The Governor’s decision is in line with Section 17 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and Section 218 of the Bharatiya Nagarika Suraksha Samhitha, 2023.
The Governor had previously issued a “show-cause notice” to the Chief Minister, requesting a response to the allegations within seven days. Despite a resolution passed by the state cabinet urging the Governor not to approve the prosecution, the endorsement was granted, drawing criticism from the ruling Congress party.
Political Responses and Allegations
The opposition BJP has welcomed the Governor’s move, with state BJP chief B.Y. Vijayendra lauding the decision, citing the collection of evidence against Siddaramaiah and the Congress government. Vijayendra stated that Siddaramaiah’s alleged involvement in corruption has been apparent and that the prosecution is a step towards justice.
In contrast, the Congress has strongly criticized the Governor’s decision, accusing him of acting with bias and undue haste. The party has argued that the Governor has delayed action in other corruption cases involving former Chief Ministers H.D. Kumaraswamy and Sasikala Jolle and Murugesh Nirani. Congress leaders have described the decision to prosecute Siddaramaiah as a politically motivated act aimed at discrediting the Chief Minister.
Details of the Allegations
The allegations against Siddaramaiah focus on the allotment of land in Mysuru that was allegedly acquired illegally by his wife, B.M. Parvathi. Activist Snehamayi Krishna claims that the land was acquired using forged documents in 2004 but was incorrectly recorded as having been acquired in 1998. Parvathi allegedly sought compensation for this land in 2014, when Siddaramaiah was the Chief Minister. The complaint names Siddaramaiah, his wife, son S. Yathindra, and senior MUDA officials.
Siddaramaiah has defended himself, asserting that the land in question was lawfully acquired and that his wife’s compensation claim was valid. He also pointed out that the compensation was granted while the BJP was in power, questioning the legitimacy of the current allegations. The case has sparked significant political tension in Karnataka, with the BJP demanding a CBI probe into the matter and organizing a weeklong march from Bengaluru to Mysuru earlier this month to protest against the Congress government.
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- News Writer
- Sanchita is currently pursuing her master's in journalism and mass communication. She has already completed a PG diploma in journalism and mass communication from Patna Women's College and her graduation from Berhampur University. With a strong desire to become a journalist, she is focused on learning and enhancing her skills to excel in her chosen career.
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