A controversial financial and political deal that led to the alleged loss of ₹45 crore to the state, which involved the Mysuru land authority and the state’s Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has been offered a restitution offer by his wife. According to Urban Development Commissioner A.N. Raghunandan, Siddaramaiah’s wife expressed her intention to return 14 plots of land. The Chief Minister’s son, Yatindra Siddaramaiah, personally delivered the letter to the office. Raghunandan added that legal advice on the follow-up action would be sought.
Further, Raghunandan said the anti-corruption officials from the Lokayukta branch have asked for cooperation with their probe into the complaints filed against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. He said MUDA would cooperate fully.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has not been contacted, though it had registered a money laundering case against Siddaramaiah. There have been demands that the Central Bureau of Investigation investigate the charges.
Still, that prospect appears remote after the Karnataka government withdrew the general consent for the CBI to operate in the state last month. Law Minister H.K. Patil announced this decision last week but clarified that it had nothing to do with the demand for a CBI probe, which Opposition parties accused the ruling party of resorting to with political motives.
On Monday, Siddaramaiah’s wife said she gave up the land to save her husband’s prestige and dignity. She categorically stated that the decision to give up the land was hers alone, without any interference from either her husband or son. She warned political parties and the media, especially the opposition BJP, not to drag women from political families into controversies.
This investigation follows a Karnataka High Court order quashing a petition against the Governor, Thawar Chand Gehlot’s order, allowing the prosecution of Siddaramaiah in the case. A trial court consequently ordered the Lokayukta to complete the probe in three months.
Siddaramaiah is under the lens for allegations that 14 plots in an upscale Mysuru locality were doled out as compensation to Parvathi for the land acquired for infrastructure projects at a value far below the quoted price. He has denied all charges and refused to quit, but some in Congress have sought his resignation.
The ruling party has also come out in his support – particularly key cabinet members, including Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and IT Minister Priyank Kharge. Former Assembly Speaker K.B. Koliwad is among the few who have urged the minister to resign.
“I will fight,” Siddaramaiah said with confidence. “I am not afraid of anything. We are ready to face the investigation.”
