BENGALURU: The Lokayukta has escalated its probe into the high-profile MUDA scam, issuing a notice to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to appear for questioning at its Mysore office on November 6. Siddaramaiah, designated as Accused No. 1 (A1) in the case, is set to face this inquiry for the first time in his 40-year political career, adding significant political weight to the ongoing investigation.
This notice follows the completion of Lokayukta interrogations for other key figures in the case, including Siddaramaiah’s wife, Parvathy (A2), along with associates Mallikarjuna (A3) and Devaraj (A4). In recent weeks, Lokayukta officials have reportedly gathered substantial documentation regarding disputed sites allegedly allocated to Siddaramaiah’s family. They have also visited and examined the relevant properties to deepen their investigation into alleged irregularities.
The Muda scam probe has intensified amid heightened political scrutiny and public interest, partly due to the ongoing by-elections and the ongoing Waqf Board controversy. This latest development follows vocal demands from complainant Snehamayi Krishna, who has called for Siddaramaiah’s arrest and criticized Lokayukta officials for what he claims is an inadequate investigation.
The scam’s complexities have drawn the attention of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) as well. The ED has reportedly conducted raids at the residences of former MUDA officials and a close associate of Siddaramaiah, known as Papanna, seizing important documents linked to the case.
As the Lokayukta continues its inquiry, the Muda scam has reached a decisive phase, creating a fresh challenge for CM Siddaramaiah. He will now be required to attend the hearing at the Lokayukta office amidst the unfolding by-election season, a situation that has added considerable political pressure. This case marks the first time Siddaramaiah has faced a formal investigation in his lengthy political career, highlighting the severity of the allegations and casting a spotlight on the integrity of his leadership.
However it is still doubtful that the CM may not attend for questioning of Lokayukta officials due to pre seheduled programmes. Siddaramaiah also gears up for the Channapatna by-election campaign, raising doubts about whether he will be able to attend the hearing as scheduled.
According to Siddaramaiah’s official schedule, released on the Chief Minister’s WhatsApp group, he is set to participate in campaign activities for Channapatna by-election candidate CP Yogeshwar on November 6 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., covering multiple villages. The timing of his engagements has fueled speculation on whether he will attend the Lokayukta hearing or prioritize his campaign duties.
This is the first time Siddaramaiah, who has served as MLA, Deputy Chief Minister, and Chief Minister twice, has faced formal investigation. Despite a lengthy 40-year political career, he has not appeared for any enquiry. Now, however, he faces scrutiny over alleged irregularities in site allocations managed by MUDA, marking a significant turning point in his public life.
Speaking at an early campaign event in Hurulikuppe, Siddaramaiah addressed the ongoing case, expressing frustration over what he views as targeted attempts to damage his reputation. “My political life is an open book,” he said, accusing his adversaries of conspiring against him.
Meanwhile, opposition leaders, including BJP MLA Basanagowda Patil Yatnal and Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje, have called for Siddaramaiah to step down and face trial, stating that his position as Chief Minister could influence the investigation.
As the MUDA case intensifies, the Lokayukta’s summons presents a pivotal moment for Siddaramaiah, pitting his responsibilities as a party campaigner against the demands of the legal inquiry.
Political experts says that Siddaramaiah would step down at any moment as it is clear in documents that he used influence in availing MUDA sites. According to sources the MUDA itself formed layout in the area where Siddaramaiahs wife owns house sites in the year 1997 itself . However it is suspicious that Siddaramaiahs brother in law Mallikarjuna Swamy bought that land in 2004 claiming agriculture land raised suspicion on corruption. The ED officers also conducting enquiry on charges of money laundering as Siddaramaiah claimed the value of sites Rs 62 croers.
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