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The Karnataka political landscape is currently embroiled in a controversy surrounding the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam, which has led to the Governor granting permission to prosecute Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The allegations stem from irregularities in MUDA's 50:50 incentive scheme, designed to compensate individuals whose land was acquired for development. The scheme aimed to provide either 50% of the developed land or an alternative site to those affected.
The heart of the controversy lies in allegations that Siddaramaiah's relatives, with the alleged complicity of local officials, manipulated documents to benefit from the scheme. Specifically, they are accused of acquiring land categorized as agricultural in Kesare village, later developed into a MUDA layout, by forging sale and gift deeds. This resulted in their receiving alternative land in prime locations with significantly higher guidance values compared to the original sites.
The opposition BJP and JD(S) have accused Siddaramaiah of involvement in the scam, alleging that the irregularities amount to ₹3,000 crore and that his wife, Parvathi, was a beneficiary. The opposition parties have held protests demanding Siddaramaiah's resignation and the return of land allegedly acquired by his family. While a single-member inquiry commission headed by retired Karnataka High Court judge PN Desai was established to investigate the allegations, the controversy has escalated with the Governor's decision to allow prosecution.
The Governor's action, based on petitions filed by advocate T J Abraham and activists Snehamayi Krishna and Pradeep, has drawn strong reaction from the Karnataka government, which has announced its intention to challenge the decision in the High Court. Siddaramaiah has denied any wrongdoing, claiming the entire Cabinet stands with him. The controversy surrounding the MUDA scam is likely to continue, further straining political relations in Karnataka.
Source: All you need to know about MUDA scam in which Karnataka CM faces prosecution