MUDA Controversy: ED's Allegations Intensify Political Strife Against CM Siddaramaiah
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Synopsis
Recent findings by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have implicated Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the MUDA scam, intensifying political tensions in Karnataka. With calls for his resignation and demands for a CBI investigation, the Chief Minister faces significant scrutiny amid allegations of corruption and illegal site allotments.
Key Takeaways
- ED findings implicate CM Siddaramaiah in MUDA scam.
- BJP leaders demand his resignation.
- Karnataka High Court to hear plea for CBI probe.
- Over 4,000 illegal site allotments under investigation.
- Charges include criminal conspiracy and corruption.
Bengaluru, Jan 19 (NationPress) Recent revelations from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have reportedly implicated Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scandal, heightening tensions in Karnataka's political landscape.
CM Siddaramaiah, identified as the main accused in this case, had recently expressed confidence following by-election wins, especially after Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar clarified that there is no agreement regarding power-sharing between them. Nevertheless, he is now embroiled in a new controversy.
BJP leaders in Karnataka have vocally called for CM Siddaramaiah's resignation and are pushing for the investigation of the MUDA scam to be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The Karnataka High Court is scheduled to hear a petition on January 27 that requests a CBI inquiry into the alleged irregularities concerning MUDA.
The findings from the ED are anticipated to pose a serious blow to the Chief Minister's position.
Snehamayi Krishna, the petitioner in the MUDA case, stated to IANS that the ED's revelations will indeed be a setback for CM Siddaramaiah.
"This situation has intensified the resistance against him. It is quite improbable that CM Siddaramaiah will resign. In this context, the Congress party has already begun discussions about a potential next CM," he remarked.
"Initially, they claimed all allegations were unfounded. However, my petition is explicit, and there are documents to support it. The ED's findings regarding MUDA irregularities have confirmed my assertions," he added.
The ED's Bangalore Zonal Office has provisionally attached 142 properties valued at approximately Rs 300 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, related to the MUDA scam.
According to the ED, former MUDA commissioner D.B. Natesh was instrumental in the improper allocation of compensation sites, including those designated for CM Siddaramaiah’s spouse, B.M. Parvathi.
The ED's statements further indicated that sites were allocated under the names of benamis and fictitious individuals linked to powerful figures and real estate developers. Evidence of unlawful compensation, encompassing immovable properties, MUDA sites, and cash, was discovered during the investigation.
Sources indicate that the ED has requested additional information regarding 631 sites allegedly allocated unlawfully to prominent individuals by MUDA.
A letter asking for this information was dispatched to MUDA on December 14, 2024.
Investigations uncovered that a former MUDA Commissioner secured 198 sites for himself and his family.
Additionally, a Member of the Legislative Council from Mysuru reportedly received 128 sites.
The MUDA scandal allegedly encompasses over 4,000 illegal site allocations, contravening all existing regulations. These disclosures are poised to place CM Siddaramaiah under substantial scrutiny.
The Chief Minister stands as the primary accused in this case, with his wife B.M. Parvathi listed as the second accused. Investigations are also targeting other individuals who benefited from illicit allocations through MUDA.
The BJP is expected to amplify its calls for Siddaramaiah's resignation due to the allegations. However, Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar stated that there is no question of the Chief Minister stepping down.
"First, the scams of the previous BJP government in Karnataka must be addressed," asserted Shivakumar.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka High Court has reserved its judgment on a petition filed by former Chief Minister and BJP leader B.S. Yediyurappa, seeking to dismiss charges against him under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The BJP has accused the Congress-led government of using the POCSO case against Yediyurappa to divert attention from corruption charges linked to the MUDA scam and the Tribal Welfare Development Board scandal.
Congress leaders had previously asserted that Yediyurappa would face imprisonment in the case, making the outcome of the judgment highly awaited.
Siddaramaiah is also facing investigations by the Lokayukta and the ED for allegedly acquiring 14 MUDA sites for his family, bypassing all regulations.
The Chief Minister has submitted a petition seeking to quash the proceedings against him in the case.
The FIR against Siddaramaiah lists multiple charges under the Indian Penal Code, including Sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 166 (public servant disobeying law), 403 (dishonest misappropriation of property), and 406 (criminal breach of trust), among others. Additional charges have been filed under the Prevention of Corruption Act, the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, and the Karnataka Land Grabbing Prohibition Act.
CM Siddaramaiah continues to assert that the charges are politically motivated, warning that if the BJP attempts to leverage the situation for political gain, he is prepared to respond accordingly.
It remains uncertain how the BJP's state unit, currently embroiled in internal disputes, will advance its agitation against CM Siddaramaiah.
