Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Stands Firm Amidst MUDA Land Scam Allegations

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has reiterated his stance on the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam allegations. Despite pressure to resign, he remains committed to fighting the charges legally. Siddaramaiah distinguished his case from that of former CM Yeddyurappa and stressed the non-involvement in land denotification.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday hardened his position on the allegations surrounding the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam. He reaffirmed that he would not resign, stating he serves as a self-witness in the issue. Siddaramaiah emphasized the difference between his situation and that of former Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa, who faced charges related to land denotification.

Siddaramaiah articulated his plan to address the allegations through legal channels, irrespective of ongoing inquiries by the Enforcement Directorate or other bodies. 'BS Yeddyurappa's case and mine are different. He was involved in land denotification while I am not. I won't resign; I am my own witness. Whether it's the ED or anyone else, I will handle it legally,' he declared.

The Chief Minister explained that the contentious land was a gift to his wife from her brother, later encroached upon by MUDA. He clarified that his wife applied for an alternative site without requesting Vijayanagara specifically, which was nonetheless allocated to her. He saw the escalating situation as politically motivated and dismissed money laundering allegations as irrelevant. His wife, aiming to prevent controversy, chose to return the plots.

Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra added fuel to the controversy, asserting that state officials were unanimous in seeking Siddaramaiah's resignation amidst the MUDA land allocation scandal.

Simultaneously, Karnataka Law Minister HK Patil criticized the Enforcement Directorate for pursuing the case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), terming it a significant error. On Monday, in response to ED filing charges against him, Siddaramaiah's wife offered to surrender the 14 plots granted by MUDA.

Today, the Mysuru Lokayukta commenced an official investigation into the MUDA land allocation scam as ordered by the court on September 27. The inquiry focuses on alleged illegalities involving 14 plots valued at Rs 56 crore allotted to Siddaramaiah's wife, Parvathi.

(With inputs from agencies.)