ED's Findings Mark Key Victory Against MUDA Scandal, Karnataka BJP Demands CM's Resignation
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Synopsis
The Karnataka BJP celebrates a pivotal win as the ED's findings expose corruption linked to CM Siddaramaiah in the MUDA scam. The party demands transparency and accountability, calling for the CM's resignation and a comprehensive investigation into the allegations of illegal site allotments.
Key Takeaways
- ED investigation confirms illegal MUDA allotments.
- BJP claims a significant victory against corruption.
- CM Siddaramaiah faces serious allegations of misuse of power.
- 142 properties worth Rs 300 crore provisionally attached.
- Call for CBI investigation into the broader implications of the scam.
Bengaluru, Jan 18 (NationPress) In light of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation validating the illegal allotments made by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), the Karnataka BJP has declared this a significant triumph in their battle against the corruption scandal.
BJP state President, B.Y. Vijayendra, remarked on Saturday that the ED's findings have unveiled considerable corruption linked to CM Siddaramaiah, who is accused of leveraging his political power to unlawfully allocate sites under his wife's name, demanding his immediate resignation.
“If CM Siddaramaiah values the integrity of his position, he must resign without delay and allow for an unbiased investigation. The citizens of Karnataka are entitled to transparency, accountability, and justice,” he insisted.
Vijayendra further highlighted, “The distribution of sites to proxies and front individuals of powerful figures underscores the profound corruption involved. When the Governor authorized the prosecution of CM Siddaramaiah, the Congress party did not hesitate to insult and undermine the constitutional authority of the Governor.”
The Karnataka High Court has also supported the Governor's decision, noting that the allegations against the Chief Minister's family necessitate a thorough investigation, he pointed out.
Vijayendra asserted that the ED has thwarted any attempts by CM Siddaramaiah to undermine the investigation by misusing government resources.
“The BJP and JD(S) have been unwavering in our protests, both inside and outside the Assembly, against this overt abuse of power by the Chief Minister and his associates. Our ‘Mysuru Chalo’ march was a substantial success, shining a spotlight on the irregularities linked to the Chief Minister in the MUDA scandal,” Vijayendra emphasized.
The ED's revelations not only affirm our relentless fight against corruption but also indicate that there are deeper issues at play, he remarked.
This disclosure serves as a significant rebuke to those who were quick to ridicule our anti-corruption campaign, he criticized.
What has been uncovered is just the beginning. It is alleged that thousands of crores in taxpayer money have been misappropriated in this scandal. A thorough CBI investigation is essential to unveil the complete extent of this fraud, Vijayendra suggested.
In a blow to CM Siddaramaiah, the Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Bangalore Zonal Office, has provisionally attached 142 properties valued at approximately Rs 300 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, concerning the MUDA case.
CM Siddaramaiah has been identified as the primary accused in this case, with investigations also targeting others who benefited from the illegal allotments facilitated by MUDA. His wife, B.M. Parvathi, is the second accused.
“The role of former MUDA commissioner D.B. Natesh has been crucial in the unlawful allocation of compensation sites to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s wife, B.M. Parvathi,” stated the ED.
The ED also disclosed that funds were funneled through a cooperative society for purchasing properties and luxury vehicles in the names of relatives of G.T. Dinesh Kumar, the former MUDA commissioner.
Investigations revealed that numerous plots, aside from the 14 granted to CM Siddaramaiah’s wife, B.M. Parvathi, have been illegally allocated as compensation to real estate developers, who subsequently sold these sites at inflated prices, generating substantial unaccounted cash.
