MUDA 'Scam': Siddaramaiah slams Guv's decision to grant sanction for prosecution, rules out his resignation

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also suggested that the prosecution sanction was part of a broader conspiracy involving the central government, the BJP, the Janata Dal (Secular) (JDS)

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has strongly criticised the Governor's decision to grant permission to prosecute him in connection with the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land 'scam' case.

Addressing the media, Siddaramaiah condemned Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot's move, labelling it "totally unconstitutional" and politically motivated. He asserted that there is no valid case against him and vowed to fight the decision through legal channels.

"The decision taken by the Governor is totally unconstitutional. He has no authority. I will fight it out legally in a court of law because it is an illegal sanction given by the Governor," Siddaramaiah said.

The Karnataka Governor approved the prosecution of Siddaramaiah in the case, reportedly based on petitions filed by TJ Abraham, Pradeep, and Snehamayi Krishna.

The controversy stems from allegations of corruption linked to the MUDA land case, in which Siddaramaiah's family has been accused of being involved.

The Chief Minister, has however, vehemently denied any wrongdoing and questioned the moral authority of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in demanding his resignation. "There is no case against me or anybody else. The BJP has no moral right to ask for my resignation," he stated.

He dismissed any notion of resignation, pointing out that a show-cause notice was issued immediately after the complaint was filed—a move he anticipated. He said that his party, including MLAs, cabinet ministers, and leaders, stands firmly with him. "The Governor is being used as a political pawn by the Central Government. This is a clear political conspiracy, and I will not resign," Siddaramaiah said

He also accused the Governor of bias, highlighting the pending request before the Lokayukta for sanction to prosecute former Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, which is yet to be granted. "The Governor is biased towards me because there is an application pending before the Governor seeking sanction against Kumaraswamy. This sanction has not been given so far," Siddaramaiah pointed out.

The Chief Minister also suggested that the prosecution sanction was part of a broader conspiracy involving the central government, the BJP, the Janata Dal (Secular) (JDS), and local leaders in Karnataka. "They are not tolerating this government, and they are not tolerating my leadership because this government is implementing all guarantee schemes, which are solely for the benefit of the poor people of our country, across all religions," he said.

Siddaramaiah accused the central government and the BJP of being against social justice and the welfare schemes introduced by his administration. "The central government is against these guarantees, and the BJP is totally against them. Now, the JDS has also joined in. So, with the conspiracy of the central government, BJP, JDS, and local leaders of Karnataka, they are doing this," he alleged.

The MUDA land 'scam' case

-Under the 50:50 incentive scheme of the MUDA, individuals who lost their land for the development of layouts are either given 50 percent of the sites or an alternative site.

- Reports indicate multiple violations, such as individuals receiving more alternative sites than they were entitled to under the scheme. Additionally, there are allegations that some individuals received alternative land in localities where the guidance value of the land was significantly higher compared to the places where the layouts were developed.

- The guidance value is the official minimum value of land or property. It is alleged that MUDA lost hundreds of crores due to these irregularities. Moreover, the allocation of sites reportedly continued even after two government orders in the past six months directing MUDA to cancel the allotment of sites to all beneficiaries under the 50:50 scheme until clear guidelines are issued.

Recently, a government order instituting an inquiry under an IAS officer noted that there was prima facie suspicion of illegalities in the allocation of the sites. The order stated that, instead of giving the sites to eligible beneficiaries, complaints were received about them being allotted to influential people and real estate agents.