BJP Leader Files Complaint Against CM Siddaramaiah, Alleges Land Scam

Bengaluru, Feb 20 (NationPress) Just when Chief Minister Siddaramaiah thought he had cleared his name in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case from the Karnataka Lokayukta, new allegations have surfaced.

BJP leader N.R. Ramesh has lodged a complaint with the Lokayukta, accusing Siddaramaiah of being involved in a new land scam.

Ramesh's complaint was directed at Lokayukta ADGP and IGP Subramanyeswara Rao, bringing the Chief Minister back into the public eye.

In addition, Ramesh has appealed to Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot for an inquiry into the alleged illegal de-notification of a MUDA property.

The complaint also implicates former MUDA Chairman C. Basave Gowda, with Ramesh providing supporting documents.

He claims that in this case, CM Siddaramaiah is a direct beneficiary.

Despite the authority to issue de-notification resting solely with the state government, the MUDA Chairman allegedly acted unilaterally, executing the de-notification unlawfully.

According to the law, landowners who have surrendered their property to MUDA in exchange for compensation are not entitled to de-notification.

Ramesh asserts that several plots in the Vijayanagar 2nd Stage Layout, acquired and developed by MUDA, were de-notified 12 years later, contradicting regulations.

He alleged that this de-notification was executed to benefit CM Siddaramaiah.

Ramesh's allegations suggest corruption, abuse of power, forgery, fraud, and illegal land acquisition.

In his petition to the Governor, Ramesh, along with supporting documents, requested an investigation under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

He noted, “In 1985, MUDA acquired land, including Survey No. 70/4A in Hinkal village, Mysuru, for developing Vijayanagar 2nd Stage Layout. MUDA compensated the original owner, Sakkamma, on November 22, 1985.”

Ramesh claims, “CM Siddaramaiah allegedly leased the land and later registered it unlawfully in his name on November 26, 1997, while serving as Deputy Chief Minister, Finance Minister, and District In-charge Minister of Mysuru.”

Furthermore, he alleged that in the legally acquired Survey No. 70/4A, MUDA allotted plots numbered 3160, 3161, 3162, and 3163, with Plot No. 3161 assigned to a person named Sundar Raj.

“Sundar Raj received MUDA's approval for the layout and legally built a house on Plot No. 3161. CM Siddaramaiah purchased this plot, measuring 80x120 feet, for Rs 6,72,000 and registered it under his name, 12 years after MUDA's acquisition and development,” Ramesh explained.

“Just 20 days prior to Siddaramaiah's purchase, his close associate and MUDA Chairman C. Basave Gowda illegally de-notified Survey No. 70/4A on October 23, 1997, breaching legal protocols,” Ramesh claimed.

“Earlier, on December 21, 1995, the MUDA Commissioner had stated that there was no legal basis for de-notifying the land, yet Basave Gowda proceeded with the unlawful de-notification,” he added.

Normally, the MUDA Chairman was required to submit the de-notification file to the state government for approval.

MUDA also needed to secure endorsement from the state's Urban Development Department.

“However, it is alleged that Siddaramaiah, a law graduate, pressured his close aide C. Basave Gowda to execute the de-notification unlawfully. Shortly after purchasing the plot, Siddaramaiah dismantled Sundar Raj's legally constructed house without following proper procedures,” he claimed.

“In 1995, MUDA Commissioner A.M. Kunjappa explicitly denied a previous request for land de-notification, yet C. Basave Gowda unlawfully proceeded to de-notify the land to benefit his political mentor, Siddaramaiah,” Ramesh alleged.

“After acquiring the unlawfully de-notified Plot No. 3161, Siddaramaiah sold it on September 29, 2003, for Rs 1 crore,” Ramesh stated.

Ramesh has called for strict action to ensure justice and prevent the misuse of power in Karnataka.