Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, embroiled in the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam, has denied any involvement in his wife Parvathi’s decision to offer the return of 14 disputed plots of land. These plots, central to money laundering allegations, have sparked an intense political controversy.
Siddaramaiah defended his wife, claiming that the decision to return the plots, which were allegedly gifted to her by her brother, was entirely hers. The Chief Minister stressed that his wife had been deeply affected by what he termed a “political conspiracy” against him.
“This is her own decision. Her brother gifted this land, and then MUDA encroached. I had sought compensation, but I didn’t ask for it at Vijayanagar. It became a controversy, and she has been affected by this political conspiracy,” Siddaramaiah told reporters.
The Chief Minister also supported his wife’s appeal for political parties not to drag women into controversies, indirectly addressing the BJP-JDS alliance’s demand for his resignation and a federal investigation into the case.
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Siddaramaiah’s wife, Parvathi, had written a letter to MUDA offering to surrender the plots, explaining that she had long intended to return the land but was advised against it due to politically motivated allegations. “No house, plot, or wealth is more important than my husband’s honor, dignity, and peace of mind,” she stated in her letter, further emphasizing that the decision was made independently of her husband and son.
The state BJP, led by BY Vijayendra, son of former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa, has rejected Siddaramaiah’s claim of non-involvement in his wife’s decision. Vijayendra said, “This is like him admitting his mistake. The plots are not surrendered yet.” He insisted the Chief Minister was under “tremendous pressure” following a High Court ruling and demanded his resignation.
Siddaramaiah, however, remains firm, refusing to step down and reiterating his innocence. “I have done no wrong, why should I resign?” he asked. The Chief Minister vowed to fight the case legally, asserting that the charges were politically motivated.
MUDA has confirmed the receipt of Parvathi’s letter offering to return the 14 plots. The authority is currently seeking legal advice on the next steps.
Siddaramaiah faces an inquiry into allegations that the plots, which he claims were a gift, were wrongfully allotted to his wife in a high-value area of Mysuru as compensation for land elsewhere used for infrastructure projects. The Karnataka High Court recently allowed the investigation to proceed after quashing a challenge to the inquiry.
Despite calls for his resignation from the opposition, Siddaramaiah has denied all charges, maintaining his intent to continue serving as Chief Minister while the legal battle unfolds.
