Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is set to be prosecuted following allegations of irregularities in site allocations by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA). The decision comes after Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot sanctioned his prosecution based on petitions filed by activists Pradeep Kumar, T J Abraham, and Snehamayi Krishna.
The Governor’s Secretariat confirmed the decision in a letter to the activists, citing Sections 17 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and Section 218 of the Bharatiya Nagarika Suraksha Samhitha, 2023. The letter highlights the allegations against Siddaramaiah and the subsequent steps to be taken.
Chief Minister’s Response and Political Implications
Siddaramaiah has dismissed the charges as politically motivated. The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) has acknowledged receiving the communication. This development follows a show-cause notice issued by the Governor last month, asking Siddaramaiah to respond to the allegations within seven days.
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In response to the notice, the state cabinet passed a resolution urging the Governor not to sanction the prosecution, arguing that the notice represented a “gross misuse of the Constitutional Office.” However, the Governor proceeded with the sanction.
Allegations and Background
The allegations involve a multi-crore scam that reportedly caused significant losses to the state’s exchequer. Activist TJ Abraham’s petition, which led to the prosecution decision, accuses Siddaramaiah of irregularities in the allotment of alternative sites in an upscale Mysuru neighbourhood, particularly involving his wife BM Parvathi. The complaint, filed with the Lokayukta police, claims that the illegal allotment resulted in a Rs 45 crore loss.
Another activist, Snehamayi Krishna, has also alleged the involvement of Siddaramaiah, his wife, and senior MUDA officials in the land scam. While a fresh FIR has not been filed, police confirm that the investigation is ongoing.
Political Reactions
The BJP has been vocal in demanding a CBI probe into the case, even organizing a weeklong protest march from Bengaluru to Mysuru. Siddaramaiah, however, defended his wife, stating that the compensation she received was her right and was awarded during the BJP’s tenure.
This case has significant political implications, with questions now arising about the stability of Siddaramaiah’s government amidst these serious allegations.
