Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah appears before Lokayukta in connection with MUDA case

Lokayukta investigates CM Siddaramaiah’s involvement in MUDA irregularities

In a landmark development, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah appeared before the Mysuru Lokayukta on Wednesday morning for questioning in connection with the ongoing probe into alleged irregularities at the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA). Siddaramaiah is named as the main accused in the case, which centers around allegations of corruption and misconduct in land allocation, particularly involving his family members.

This marks the first time in Karnataka’s history that a sitting Chief Minister has been summoned by the Lokayukta for questioning while still in office. Additionally, it is the first time in Siddaramaiah’s four-decade-long political career that he is facing an investigation of this nature.

Siddaramaiah, who traveled from Bengaluru to Mysuru on Wednesday morning, was greeted by H C Mahadevappa, the Minister for Social Welfare, and K. Venkatesh, the Minister for Animal Husbandry, at the Government Guest House in Mysuru. After having breakfast at the guest house, the Chief Minister headed directly to the Lokayukta office for questioning.

The MUDA case revolves around allegations of irregularities in land allotment and land conversion during Siddaramaiah’s tenure as Chief Minister. Specifically, he is accused of facilitating the allocation of land plots on a 50:50 ratio with his family members. The charges also include alleged fabrication of documents related to land transactions, raising questions about the transparency and legitimacy of the process.

Sources close to the investigation suggest that Siddaramaiah will be questioned about his direct role in these alleged irregularities. The Lokayukta probe is critical as the findings could determine whether a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry is warranted, as a petition demanding such an investigation is currently under review by the High Court.

The ongoing probe has significant implications for both Siddaramaiah’s political career and his standing in the public eye. If the Lokayukta clears him of the charges, it would strengthen his defense against the demand for a CBI investigation, allowing him to argue that the allegations are politically motivated. Furthermore, a clean chit from the Lokayukta would bolster his position in the ongoing legal battle, particularly as he faces the potential threat of an investigation by national agencies.

However, if Lokayukta’s findings are unfavorable, it could open the door for further scrutiny by other agencies, including the CBI, which is scheduled to take up the matter in the High Court on November 26. The court has directed the Lokayukta to submit a report on the investigation by then.

In earlier stages of the investigation, the Lokayukta had questioned several individuals linked to the case, including Siddaramaiah’s wife, Parvathy, who is the second accused, and his brother-in-law, Mallikarjunaswamy, the third accused. Additionally, the fourth accused, landowner J Devaraju, was also questioned.

With the Chief Minister’s appearance before the Lokayukta, the atmosphere in Mysuru remains tense, and heightened security has been deployed around the Lokayukta office. Authorities have issued a high alert in the surrounding areas to maintain order as the questioning proceeds.

As the investigation unfolds, all eyes will be on the findings of the Lokayukta probe and the subsequent legal proceedings, particularly with the looming High Court hearing on November 26.

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