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The political landscape in Karnataka is heating up as allegations of corruption and misuse of power continue to swirl around the state’s Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah. This time, the spotlight is on the controversial allotment of 14 plots to his wife, Parvathi B M, by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA). The controversy has taken a dramatic turn with JD(S) leader and Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy accusing the MUDA of attempting to “destroy evidence” by taking back the plots. He also demands the immediate arrest of the MUDA commissioner for his involvement in the alleged cover-up.
Kumaraswamy’s accusations are based on the sequence of events that unfolded after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) against the Chief Minister over the alleged irregularities in the allotment of the plots. Hours after the ED’s action, Siddaramaiah’s wife wrote to MUDA expressing her desire to surrender the plots. This, according to Kumaraswamy, is a blatant attempt to manipulate the ongoing investigation by the Lokayukta, which is already probing into the case. The former CM’s argument is that the plots are already under the jurisdiction of the court and the CM’s family has no right to reclaim them. He further points out that the MUDA’s decision to take back the plots is in violation of court orders and may lead to contempt of court charges.
The BJP, too, has joined in criticizing the MUDA’s decision, with state party president B Y Vijayendra labeling it as “illegal.” He questioned the basis on which the MUDA commissioner cancelled the ‘Khata’ (certification of ownership of property), claiming it was done solely based on the CM’s wife’s letter despite orders from the High Court and Special Court. Vijayendra’s statement suggests that the BJP sees the MUDA’s action as a deliberate attempt to influence the investigation and protect the Chief Minister. This incident highlights the deep political divide in Karnataka, with both the JD(S) and BJP united in their criticism of the ruling Congress party’s actions.
The Lokayukta, the anti-corruption watchdog of Karnataka, is currently conducting an investigation into the land allotment case, which has seen a series of developments. The Special Court had previously ordered an investigation against Siddaramaiah and his family members, following a sanction granted by the Governor. The allegations against Siddaramaiah are that his wife received 14 compensatory plots in an upmarket area in Mysuru, which were valued higher than the land that she surrendered for development. The land in question, allegedly owned by Parvathi, was acquired by MUDA for building a residential layout under a controversial 50:50 ratio scheme. This scheme allows MUDA to allot 50 per cent of developed land to the land losers in lieu of undeveloped land acquired from them for forming residential layouts. The allegations suggest that Parvathi had no legal title over the land acquired by MUDA, raising serious questions about the legitimacy of the land deal.
The case has brought to the forefront the complex web of land deals and political influence in Karnataka. The accusations against Siddaramaiah and his wife raise serious concerns about transparency and accountability within the state government. The ongoing investigation by the Lokayukta is expected to shed more light on the alleged irregularities in the land allotment case and the role of MUDA in the whole affair. It remains to be seen whether the Lokayukta will be able to conduct a fair and unbiased investigation in the face of intense political pressure and the alleged attempts to obstruct the proceedings. The outcome of this case will have significant implications for the future of politics in Karnataka and the fight against corruption in the state.