Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah Under Investigation for MUDA Site Allotment Irregularities
Court Orders Lokayukta Investigation
A Bengaluru court has ordered the Lokayukta police to investigate Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over allegations of irregularities in the allotment of Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) sites. This decision comes after the Karnataka High Court upheld Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot’s sanction for an inquiry into the matter.
Special Court Directs Investigation Report by December 24
The special court, led by Judge Santhosh Gajanan Bhat, instructed the Lokayukta police to submit an investigation report by December 24. The inquiry follows complaints from activists alleging that Siddaramaiah benefited from the illegal allotment of valuable MUDA plots.
Siddaramaiah’s Response to the Investigation
Siddaramaiah has publicly stated that he is not afraid of the investigation. “I am ready for a legal fight. I had said this yesterday and I am reiterating it today,” he told reporters.
High Court Dismisses Plea Against Governor’s Order
The High Court dismissed Siddaramaiah’s plea challenging the governor’s order, which allowed for the investigation under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. Justice M Nagaprasanna noted that while governors typically act on the advice of the Council of Ministers, exceptions can be made in specific cases, such as this one.
Emphasis on Governor’s Discretion
The ruling emphasized that the governor’s decision showed a clear application of mind, allowing for independent discretion in this investigation.
Opposition Demands Resignation
The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has seized the opportunity, demanding that Siddaramaiah resign to facilitate an unbiased inquiry. Senior BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar stated, “The high court has validated the action of the governor. The BJP demands that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah tender his resignation and make way for a free and independent investigation into the allegations of shameful corruption.”
Siddaramaiah Denies Wrongdoing
Siddaramaiah vehemently denies any wrongdoing, labeling the allegations a politically motivated conspiracy. He argued against resigning, questioning the logic behind stepping down when only an inquiry is underway. “Why should I resign? Has H D Kumaraswamy resigned? He is on bail… it is only said that an inquiry needs to be done,” he asserted at a press conference.
