MYSURU: RTI activist Snehamayi Krishna has filed a formal complaint against Karnataka Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh and former Lokayukta SP Sajith, alleging their involvement in the controversial missing file from the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA). A written complaint has been submitted to the State Director General of Police (DGP) Alok Mohan, requesting a thorough investigation into the matter on Saturday.
The complaint stems from an incident in June when a raid on the MUDA office was scheduled following a search warrant issued by the Lokayukta. According to the complaint, SP Sajith, then the Superintendent of Mysore Lokayukta, allegedly tipped off Byrathi Suresh, who swiftly traveled to Mysore via helicopter and reportedly removed important files from the MUDA office. These documents were later used by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during a press conference at Vidhansouda.
Snehamayi Krishna’s complaint also highlights concerns about how SP Sajith was transferred to Bangalore shortly after the incident, raising suspicions about potential favoritism and improper conduct. The complaint calls for the investigation to be treated seriously, urging legal action against both Byrathi Suresh and Sajith for their alleged roles in the mishandling of official documents.
The MUDA scandal has cast a shadow over the Congress-led Karnataka government, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at the center of the controversy. Siddaramaiah, who rose to power through strong support from Ahinda (a coalition representing minorities, backward classes, and Dalits), has been using this platform as a political tool to deflect criticism over the scandal. In Raichur, during a rally, Siddaramaiah invoked Ahinda’s influence, positioning himself as a champion of the backward classes and using emotional rhetoric to galvanize his base.
In his speech, Siddaramaiah reminded the crowd of his roots in the backward class, emphasizing that it was Ahinda’s support that led him to become the Chief Minister for a second time. However, this strategy has faced opposition, particularly from Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, who questioned Siddaramaiah’s actual contributions to the backward class community, despite his frequent use of Ahinda rhetoric.
Amid the escalating MUDA scandal, internal tensions within the Congress are surfacing. Sources suggest that some senior leaders are discussing a potential leadership change, with plans being floated in the Delhi high command. The speculation centers around the idea that if Siddaramaiah is forced to step down due to the scandal, former leaders should be considered for the post of Chief Minister. Congress President Mallikarjuna Kharge, however, has continued to advocate for the continuation of Ahinda’s leadership in the state.
As part of his strategy to navigate the crisis, Siddaramaiah is reportedly preparing to bring the results of the caste census to the cabinet soon. The census, which is expected to show an increase in the Ahinda population, would provide a basis for future policy-making and welfare schemes aimed at these communities. This move is seen as part of the Chief Minister’s effort to solidify his standing among his core supporters and raise the prominence of Ahinda in Karnataka’s political landscape.
The investigation into the MUDA scandal has intensified, with the Lokayukta police conducting raids at 14 sites connected to the case. A team led by Lokayukta SP T.J. Udesh carried out the operations on Friday, marking the sites and gathering evidence in the presence of complainant Snehamayi Krishna. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s wife, Parvathy Siddaramaiah, has returned the 14 plots allocated to her by MUDA in Phases 3 and 4 of Vijayanagar, signaling the gravity of the situation.
Additionally, the Justice Desai Commission has instructed MUDA to produce 8 lakh documents related to various land allotments made between 2005 and 2024, including 50:50 site allocations, incentive sites, and replacement sites. In response, MUDA has purchased new Xerox machines to handle the massive volume of paperwork required for the investigation. These documents will be submitted both to the Desai Commission and the Lokayukta as part of the ongoing probe.
As the investigation continues, the Congress high command is closely monitoring developments. AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal is expected to visit Bangalore on October 15, and Congress President Mallikarjuna Kharge has already arrived in the city to discuss the latest political developments. These meetings will likely provide further clarity on the future of Siddaramaiah’s leadership, as the party prepares for any potential fallout from the scandal.
As the MUDA investigation deepens, the political landscape in Karnataka is fraught with uncertainty. While Siddaramaiah has used the Ahinda platform to rally support, the high command is considering its options if the situation worsens. With ongoing legal inquiries, internal party tensions, and growing pressure from opposition leaders, the coming weeks will be critical in determining the future of the Congress government in Karnataka.
