BENGALURU: Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot on Saturday sanctioned prosecution for the prosecution of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over the alleged illegal plot allotments made to the latter’s wife in the Mysore Urban Development Authority (Muda).
The charges were first officially filed in a petition by activists T.J. Abraham, S.P. Pradeep Kumar and Snehamayi Krishna. A showcause notice was served by the Governor on July 26 in the matter. The Chief Minister had said his wife lost 3.16 acres in Kesare area of Mysuru city after it was encroached upon by Muda, and in lieu of that Muda compensated by allotting 14 plots in Mysuru city in 2021.
However, the Governor stated that he was satisfied with the allegations and the supporting materials provided by the petitioners. “It is very necessary that a neutral, objective and non-partisan investigation should be conducted,” he said. Activist Abraham had provided 29 support documents. It is alleged that the compensatory sites were allotted in an upmarket area, which had higher property value compared to the location which were “acquired” from Parvathi.
The Muda had allotted plots to Parvathi under a 50:50 in lieu of 3.16 acres of her land. The Opposition claimed that Parvathi had no legal title over the said 3.16 acres. BJP leaders said the Muda 'scam' is of about Rs 5,000 crore. Siddaramaiah has remained steadfast in his version. Reacting to the prosecution, he told reporters, "It was an expected move since the show-cause notice was served to me on the very same day of filing of the petition."
He alleged a conspiracy by the Bharatiya Janata Party and Janata Dal (Secular) MLAs. He demanded to know why the Governor is going after him even though older prosecutions requests are being stalled. “Prosecution requests by the Karnataka Lokayukta against Union minister for heavy industries H.D. Kumaraswamy and senior BJP leaders Shashikala Jolle, G. Janardhana Reddy and Murugesh Nirani await sanction of prosecution from the Governor.”
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakuamr assured that all Congress MLAs are solidly behind the Chief Minister and will fight the prosecution sanction. He alleged the Governor's office has been turned into the BJP’s state office and asserted a fight is needed to save democracy. Congress ministers N. Chaluvaraya Swamy, Eshwar Khandre and Ramalinga Reddy condemned the move to prosecute Siddaramaiah.
The BJP led by Leader of Opposition R. Ashok welcomed the move, as he sought Siddaramaiah’s resignation. BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra stated the Governor acted as per the Constitution. He too demanded Siddaramaiah’s resignation.
