Siddaramaiah Defends Against ED's PMLA Allegations in MUDA Case

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah refutes the Directorate of Enforcement's (ED) Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) case against him, relating to the alleged irregularities in allotment of 14 sites to his wife by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA). He insists the allegations do not qualify for PMLA provisions and emphasizes that he has no reason to resign.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday questioned the Directorate of Enforcement's (ED) application of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in his case, asserting that the MUDA issue does not fall under its remit.

"I don't know on what grounds it's a money laundering case. Probably you too feel the same. According to me, it does not attract the money laundering case because compensatory sites were given. So, how is it a money laundering case?" Siddaramaiah told reporters.

On Monday, the ED registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) against Siddaramaiah over alleged irregularities in allotting 14 sites to his wife, Parvathi B M, by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA). The ED invoked relevant PMLA sections in the ECIR.

Siddaramaiah confirmed that resignation was not on the table for him. "I work with conscience. So there is no need for me to resign," he stated. Meanwhile, his wife relinquished ownership and possession of the 14 plots, emphasizing that no asset is more valuable than her husband's respect and peace of mind.

Addressing criticism from the BJP, which argued that the relinquishment implied wrongdoing, Siddaramaiah countered, "How is it a crime or even a confession when someone decides to discard something saying that they don't want the controversy? The opposition party leaders are 'Vishwaguru' in lies." He reiterated his stance, questioning the necessity of resignation when he believed no wrong had been committed.

(With inputs from agencies.)