Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has granted permission to prosecute Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in what’s being referred to as the MUDA (Mysuru Urban Development Authority) scam.
The Governor’s sanction for prosecution under the Prevention of Corruption Act and other legal frameworks has been seen as a significant blow to Siddaramaiah’s political standing. This move came after a show-cause notice was issued to the CM following allegations by activists like T J Abraham.
The decision has ignited a firestorm of political reactions, legal battles, and public discourse over the alleged irregularities in land allotments.
The Allegations
The core of the MUDA scam revolves around the 50:50 incentive scheme, where individuals whose land was acquired for development were supposed to receive half the value in developed sites or alternative land.
Critics, including opposition parties BJP and JD(S), claim that this scheme was manipulated, leading to significant financial losses for the state, accusing the ruling party of a scam worth up to Rs 5,000 crore.
The controversy particularly centers on land transactions involving CM Siddaramaiah’s family, where his wife, Parvathi, received 14 plots in an upscale area of Mysuru, allegedly at a much higher value than the original land.
CM rejects allegations
The Karnataka government, led by Siddaramaiah, has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, labeling the allegations politically motivated. They’ve announced plans to challenge the Governor’s decision in the High Court, arguing that the process was flawed and politically driven.
Calls for Chief Minister’s resignation
The BJP and JD(S) have seized this opportunity to demand Siddaramaiah’s resignation, arguing that his continued leadership would hinder a fair investigation. They’ve highlighted the land’s original ownership by the Dalit community, adding a social justice angle to their critique.