The Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land allotment scam continues to create political turmoil, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s wife, Parvathi, taking a significant step by offering to return the controversial 14 plots of land in Mysore. Parvathi has written to the MUDA commissioner, stating her decision to relinquish the plots she acquired in the 3rd and 4th phases of Vijayanagar, Mysore.
Parvathi Siddaramaiah’s letter to MUDA, though missing a date, has sparked widespread discussions. In her letter, she stated, “I wish to surrender and return the compensation plots by cancelling the deeds of 14 plots executed in my favour by the MUDA. I am also handing over the plots’ possession to MUDA. Please take the necessary steps in this regard as soon as possible.”
Parvathi explained that she decided to return the plots due to the political turmoil the MUDA case has caused her husband. “For me, my husband’s honour, dignity, and comfort are more important than any land or wealth. I never wanted property, and I don’t want my husband’s political life tarnished because of this controversy,” she wrote. She also stated that she had made this decision independently, without consulting her son or any other family member.
BJP leaders have quickly seized the opportunity to criticise the Chief Minister. BJP MLA Basan Gowda Patil Yatnal responded to Parvathi’s decision with a tweet, questioning whether this was a genuine surrender or mere damage control. He accused the family of nepotism and abuse of power, noting that the return of the sites did not absolve them of wrongdoing.
“Why now? Is it because the law is closing in on them? Returning the sites after being caught doesn’t erase the abuse of power that allowed the acquisition in the first place,” Yatnal said. His tweet reflects the sentiment that the return of the land might be a calculated political move rather than an act of moral accountability.
In her letter, Parvathi explained the emotional burden of the controversy, expressing that the allegations deeply hurt her. She emphasised that her decision was motivated by the desire to protect her husband’s reputation. “I never imagined that my husband would face such unfair charges because of this. I have consciously made this decision in response to the call of my conscience,” she added.
She also requested a thorough investigation into the MUDA case to clear all allegations. Additionally, she appealed to political leaders and the media, asking them to avoid dragging the families of political figures into controversies.
Leader of the Opposition, R Ashoka, swiped at the Chief Minister following Parvathi’s decision. “Even if an elephant goes into the nut, it won’t come out,” he quipped, referencing a local proverb. Ashoka suggested that the return of the land was an admission of guilt by Siddaramaiah and his family, adding that their struggle against the Muda scam would continue until Siddaramaiah resigned.
In a tweet, Ashoka remarked, “Those who claimed innocence have now surrendered to the truth. But does returning stolen goods absolve a thief of their crime?” His statement echoed the broader sentiment of the opposition, which has been calling for Siddaramaiah’s resignation over the MUDA land scam.
The MUDA land allotment controversy, which initially caused political hardship for Siddaramaiah, has now taken a new turn with Parvathi’s decision to return the plots. While her letter to MUDA might seem like a step toward resolution, it has further intensified the political drama.
BJP and other opposition leaders continue criticising the Chief Minister, demanding his resignation and further investigation into the land acquisition process. Parvathi’s move, though seen by some as an attempt to shield her husband, has not quelled the storm surrounding the MUDA scam.
Siddaramaiah has responded to his wife’s decision, stating that it was made due to the ongoing political conspiracy against him. He admitted that he was surprised by her choice.
Commenting on his wife’s decision to return the land, Siddaramaiah tweeted, “My wife Parvathi has returned the land that was given as compensation for the property seized without proper MUDA land acquisition in Mysore. The people of the state know that the opposition parties filed false complaints to fuel political hatred against me and dragged my family into the controversy. My stance was to fight this injustice without bowing down. However, my wife, distressed by the political conspiracy against me, decided to return these plots, which also surprised me.”
He expressed regret that his wife, who has never interfered in his four decades of politics and remained focused on family life, has become a victim of the hateful politics directed at him, leading to psychological distress. “Even so,” he added, “I respect my wife’s decision to return the plots.”
