Karnataka’s anti-corruption watchdog, Lokayukta, has stated that there is “a lack of evidence to conduct an investigation” against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his wife, BM Parvathi, in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam case. The Lokayukta also noted that the allegations appeared “civil in nature” and did not warrant criminal charges.
The development comes as a significant relief for the Congress leader, who has maintained his innocence since allegations surfaced about irregularities in land allotments involving his wife. The case stems from allegations that plots in a prime Mysuru locality were granted in exchange for land on the outskirts, allegedly causing a ₹45 crore loss to the state.
No Evidence Against Siddaramaiah, Case Nears Closure
A notice issued to complainant Snehamayi Krishna, one of the three activists who had petitioned Karnataka Governor Thawarchand Gehlot last year seeking Siddaramaiah’s prosecution, confirmed that no material evidence was found to substantiate the claims. The watchdog’s final report is set to be submitted to the Karnataka High Court after Krishna’s response, which is expected within a week.
However, the Lokayukta clarified that land allotments by MUDA between 2016 and 2024—including those involving Siddaramaiah’s wife—would remain “under scrutiny,” and a supplementary report would be provided to the court.
MUDA Land Scam and Siddaramaiah’s Legal Battle
The controversy erupted when anti-corruption activists accused Siddaramaiah of misusing his power to secure plots for his wife. They argued that the transaction had led to a financial loss for the state. Acting on their complaint, the Governor had sanctioned a case against the Chief Minister, which was later challenged by Siddaramaiah in the Karnataka High Court. The court, however, upheld the Governor’s decision in September 2023, leading to the formal filing of the case.
Siddaramaiah has repeatedly refuted the allegations, claiming that the 14 plots allotted to his wife were gifts from her brother, Mallikarjuna Swamy. Amid the political uproar, MUDA chief K Mari Gowda, a known associate of Siddaramaiah, stepped down, citing instructions from the government. Additionally, in a bid to diffuse the controversy, BM Parvathi had voluntarily offered to return the disputed land, a move accepted by MUDA on the condition that it would not influence the investigation.
Political Implications and BJP’s Criticism
The Lokayukta’s findings provide a political boost to Siddaramaiah and the ruling Congress, which faced severe criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Janata Dal (United) over the alleged scam. The opposition had demanded Siddaramaiah’s resignation and called for a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). However, the Congress government preempted any CBI action by withdrawing general consent for the federal agency to operate in Karnataka, a move that was slammed by the BJP.
Siddaramaiah had firmly rejected calls for his resignation, asserting that the allegations were politically motivated and that he was prepared to fight the case legally. “I will fight. I am not afraid of anything. We are ready to face the investigation. I will fight this legally,” he said after the Karnataka High Court upheld the Governor’s sanction for prosecution.
ED Probe Still Active
Despite the Lokayukta’s clean chit, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) continues to probe a money-laundering case linked to the land allotments, leaving a legal shadow over the matter. The opposition is likely to use this as a weapon against the Congress government in Karnataka, keeping the issue alive in the political arena.
Sources By Agencies