HD Kumaraswamy claimed that by returning the sites, Parvathi had violated court’s directives with an intent to derail investigation.
Published Oct 02, 2024 | 8:06 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 03, 2024 | 1:45 PM
CM Siddaramaiah to hold finance and administration classes for legislators (siddaramaiah/Twitter)
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s wife, Parvathi, took a dramatic step by announcing her decision to surrender 14 sites allotted to her by the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA), which has become a focal point of the controversy.
Following this, Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy levelled serious accusations against Siddaramaiah, alleging systematic attempts to destroy evidence related to the MUDA scam.
The Karnataka Lokayukta has filed an FIR against Siddaramaiah in the alleged MUDA land scam. The FIR, registered on 27 September, names Siddaramaiah, his wife BM Parvathi, brother-in-law Mallikarjuna Swamy, and Devaraju, from whom Swamy purchased land gifted to Parvathi.
This action followed a special court’s directive and the Karnataka High Court’s endorsement of Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot’s approval for the investigation against the Chief Minister.
Kumaraswamy claimed that the MUDA commissioner, who accepted the return of plots from Siddaramaiah’s wife, should be arrested for violating court orders. Kumaraswamy expressed grave concerns over the return of 14 plots by Parvathi Siddaramaiah, asserting that this action constitutes a blatant violation of judicial directives and undermines the integrity of the judiciary.
He urged immediate action against the MUDA commissioner, arguing that the commissioner’s acceptance of the plots was an attempt to destroy crucial evidence and a misuse of authority.
Kumaraswamy described these rapid changes as suspicious, highlighting that despite existing High Court orders, the MUDA commissioner acted outside his authority. He accused Siddaramaiah of manipulating the situation to mislead officials and destroy evidence, emphasising the need for accountability.
The minister further alleged that Siddaramaiah is misusing Lokayukta officials to obstruct the investigation, raising questions about the legitimacy of the properties involved.
Kumaraswamy requested Home Minister Amit Shah to transfer the investigation into allegations against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to federal agencies, citing distrust in the Lokayukta Police. In a confidential letter, on 29 September, he claimed the police are aligned with the Congress government and are undermining the Governor’s office.
He claimed that fake documents were created to mislead the public and noted that the disputed plots are valued at ₹62 crores. Kumaraswamy demanded transparency and accountability, questioning how and when the MUDA commissioner accepted the return of the plots.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
