Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Defends MUDA Issue Amid ED Probe

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday questioned the ED's case against him under the PMLA, arguing that the MUDA issue does not warrant such provisions. The ED has filed an ECIR against Siddaramaiah for alleged irregularities in allotting sites to his wife, a move he strongly contests.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed strong reservations on Tuesday about the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) filing a Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) case against him, asserting that the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) issue does not justify its application.

Speaking to reporters, Siddaramaiah remarked, '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?'

The ED had registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) against the Chief Minister on Monday, alleging irregularities in the allotment of 14 sites to his wife. Despite the accusations and the invocation of PMLA sections, Siddaramaiah dismissed any notion of stepping down from his position, stating, 'I work with conscience. So there is no need for me to resign.'

(With inputs from agencies.)