Karnataka Home Minister Criticizes ED's Role in MUDA Land Allocation Case

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara questioned the Enforcement Directorate's case against CM Siddaramaiah under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, highlighting the absence of financial transactions. He labeled the situation as politically motivated, tarnishing the CM's image. Siddaramaiah's wife offered to return the involved plots to defuse the controversy.

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara has openly criticized the Enforcement Directorate's involvement in the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land allocation case. Questioning the decision to register a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), Parameshwara noted the absence of any 'financial transactions.' Addressing the media on Tuesday, he expressed his confusion over ED's actions and urged the agency to justify its move.

Parameshwara emphasized that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's wife had already clarified her reasons for offering to return the plots. He stated that the entire episode has become politically charged, tarnishing Siddaramaiah's image. 'I don't understand ED's decision to register a PMLA case. There were no financial transactions involved, benefiting neither the CM nor his wife. They need to justify their actions later,' Parameshwara stressed.

He added, 'Her [CM's wife] decision to return the plots was to avoid further politicization of the issue and to protect her husband's reputation. The ED has no role at this point as there are no financial transactions, making PMLA inapplicable here.' Earlier on Monday, Siddaramaiah's wife wrote to the MUDA Commissioner offering to surrender the 14 plots amid the ongoing controversy. Subsequently, the Mysuru Lokayukta began an inquiry into the alleged illegalities, following a court order to file an FIR against Siddaramaiah regarding the allotment of the plots worth Rs 56 crore to his wife.

(With inputs from agencies.)