Siddaramaiah Defends Wife’s Compensation in MUDA ‘Scam’ Allegations

Introduction

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has addressed the allegations of a scam involving land allocation from the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) to his wife, Parvathi Siddaramaiah. He has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, accusing the BJP of political conspiracy.

Background

The controversy began when Parvathi Siddaramaiah received a compensation plot from MUDA for land she owned in Kesare village. This land was gifted to her by her brother and later acquired by MUDA for development purposes. The compensation plot provided in the Vijayanagar area has sparked allegations due to its high market value compared to the original land.

Details of the Allegations

The BJP has accused Siddaramaiah and his wife of receiving preferential treatment in the land allocation process. They claim that the compensation plot in the prime locality of Vijayanagar is significantly more valuable than the original land in Kesare, thus indicating a possible scam.

Siddaramaiah’s Defense

In an interview with India Today TV, Siddaramaiah explained that the land in Kesare was taken illegally by MUDA. He insisted that his wife was entitled to compensation, either through land or monetary reimbursement. Siddaramaiah asserted that the compensation followed the existing rule of providing 50% of the original land area.

Clarification of the Compensation Process

Siddaramaiah clarified that his wife’s application for compensation was filed when he was not the Chief Minister. Initially filed in 2014 and rejected due to his position, the application was refiled in 2020-2021 during the BJP regime, leading to the land allocation.

Political Conspiracy Claims

The Chief Minister has accused the BJP of politicizing the issue, calling it a conspiracy against his government. He believes the BJP’s actions are politically motivated, aiming to discredit him and his administration.

BJP’s Response

BJP leaders have called for a judicial probe into the matter, with two BJP MLAs writing to the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court. A police complaint has also been filed against Parvathi Siddaramaiah and others.

Siddaramaiah’s OBC Background

Siddaramaiah suggested that the BJP’s actions are driven by his background as a member of a backward community. He emphasized his twice-held position as Chief Minister and accused the BJP of being intolerant towards leaders from backward communities.

Conclusion

The MUDA land compensation controversy has sparked a significant political debate in Karnataka. As investigations continue, Siddaramaiah maintains his stance of innocence, calling for transparency and fair play in the resolution of the matter.