MYSURU: In a major event that has reverberated across Karnataka’s political landscape, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah appeared before the Lokayukta in Mysuru on Wednesday, November 6 to address allegations tied to the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land allotment scam. This is the first time Siddaramaiah, a senior political figure in Karnataka, has faced a formal Lokayukta investigation, drawing both public and political scrutiny. This is also the first time a chief minister in Karnataka has faced Lokayukta enquiry on corruption scams.
Lokayukta sources revealed that the police had prepared a set of more than 20 detailed and direct questions aimed at uncovering the Chief Minister’s involvement in the alleged misuse of power and influence to secure land plots in prime areas. Siddaramaiah’s wife, Parvathi, also figures in the allegations as an accused in the case, reportedly benefitting from his influence.
Lokayukta’s Key Questions to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah
Some of the questions from the Lokayukta officials focus on the circumstances surrounding the acquisition of 14 plots under Siddaramaiah’s wife’s name. According to sources, these questions include:
1. Did you or your family members use your political influence to acquire 14 land plots from MUDA?
2. Was there any abuse of power to secure these plots?
3. When you were in office, how did you manage these acquisitions in four specific phases, as alleged?
4. Did you personally apply to have plots moved from Badwane to Vijayanagar to secure a prime location?
5. Were you aware that a plot in Vijayanagar was designated under your wife’s name, and when did you come to know about this?
6. When did you become aware of the land donation your father-in-law made to your wife for agricultural purposes?
7. Did you communicate directly with the MUDA commissioner or other officials about the plot allocations?
Questions also targeted Siddaramaiah’s son, Yatindra, who allegedly attended a MUDA meeting where discussions on these plots took place. Furthermore, Lokayukta officials questioned whether these acquisitions in the Vijayanagar area were made for financial gain. The police have been investigating these alleged irregularities as part of a broader examination of misuse of power in Karnataka’s land allotments.
Extraordinary Inquiry with Extensive Documentation
During the inquiry, the Lokayukta police reportedly scrutinized important documents, signatures, and photographic evidence related to the case. Before delving into the questions, the Lokayukta investigator provided Siddaramaiah with a summary of the allegations and details of the case, marking an official opening to what many see as a landmark investigation into the sitting Chief Minister.
In an unexpected move, Siddaramaiah arrived at the Lokayukta office in a private vehicle, opting to forgo any government-related transport or privilege typically afforded to someone in his position. Before heading into the inquiry, he reportedly met with his legal team to review his responses and approach to the questions.
According to insider sources, Siddaramaiah addressed Lokayukta SP Udesh and the investigation team informally before the questioning began, advising, “Do not hesitate because I am the Chief Minister—conduct this inquiry as per your responsibilities. I am here as a respondent in this case, not as a CM. Ask me any questions you need. I will cooperate fully and answer to the best of my knowledge.”
Complainant Calls for Thorough Investigation
The Complainant and RTI worker Snehamayi Krishna has issued a stern warning, demanding that specific questions be asked to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during his ongoing Lokayukta inquiry. He emphasized that if these key questions are not addressed, he will pursue legal action against the investigating officer.
Speaking about Siddaramaiah’s Lokayukta investigation, Krishna stated, “As a complainant, I have submitted a formal request to the Lokayukta to ensure that certain questions are asked directly to the Chief Minister, who is in the position of the accused. If these questions are ignored, the inquiry will be incomplete. Should the investigator fail to ask them, I am prepared to take legal action against the Lokayukta officer involved.”
Krishna further pointed out that during today’s inquiry, Siddaramaiah should not be seen as the Chief Minister but merely as an accused party, adding that the investigating officer must remain impartial and not overlook this fact. This strong message from Krishna adds to the heightened scrutiny surrounding Siddaramaiah’s role in the MUDA case, marking a critical moment in Karnataka’s political landscape. The Broader Impact on Karnataka’s Political Climate
Today’s Lokayukta inquiry into Siddaramaiah’s alleged misuse of power could have lasting repercussions on Karnataka’s political environment, particularly given the opposition’s current campaign to spotlight government accountability. The ruling party, meanwhile, has urged the public to withhold judgment until the Lokayukta completes its inquiry, noting that Siddaramaiah has cooperated fully with the investigation.
Public sentiment remains sharply divided on the issue, with people viewing the inquiry as politically motivated and opponents arguing it underscores a need for greater scrutiny of government officials. In a state gearing up for future elections, today’s Lokayukta inquiry has the potential to become a pivotal issue in upcoming political debates and discussions.
In Karnataka’s political history, this moment underscores a growing demand for transparency and accountability, as one of the state’s most seasoned politicians faces what could be a defining investigation. The outcome may well shape the trajectory of Karnataka’s politics, as the Lokayukta continues to probe the high-stakes case surrounding MUDA and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
BJP called enquiry a match fixing
In a scathing press conference following his appearance before Lokayukta officials regarding the MUDA case, BJP leader R Ashoka leveled serious allegations against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, accusing him of corruption and “match-fixing” with Lokayukta officials.
Ashoka highlighted a discrepancy in the Chief Minister’s official schedule, which stated a visit to the Lokayukta office at 10 a.m., followed by a scheduled appearance in Channapatna at 12 p.m. “How could Siddaramaiah have predicted the Lokayukta hearing would last precisely two hours?” Ashoka questioned, implying that the CM had prior knowledge and control over the duration of the hearing, hinting at collusion with officials.
ಮುಖ್ಯಮಂತ್ರಿ ಸ್ಥಾನದಲ್ಲಿರುವವರು ಭ್ರಷ್ಟಾಚಾರದ ಆರೋಪದಡಿ ತನಿಖಾ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಯಿಂದ ತನಿಖೆ ಎದುರಿಸುತ್ತಿರುವುದು ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದ ಇತಿಹಾಸದಲ್ಲಿ ಇದೇ ಮೊದಲು.
ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದ ಗೌರವವನ್ನ, ಮುಖ್ಯಮಂತ್ರಿ ಸ್ಥಾನದ ಘನತೆನೆಯನ್ನ ಮಣ್ಣುಪಾಲು ಮಾಡಿ, ಕನ್ನಡಿಗರು ತಲೆತಗ್ಗಿಸುವಂತೆ ಮಾಡಿದ ಈ ದಿನ ರಾಜ್ಯದ ಇತಿಹಾಸದಲ್ಲಿ ಕರಾಳ ದಿನವಾಗಿ ಶಾಶ್ವತವಾಗಿ ಉಳಿಯಲಿದೆ.… pic.twitter.com/u8RiUriEO9
— R. Ashoka (@RAshokaBJP) November 6, 2024
He said Siddaramaiah is just an accused in the MUDA scam and he is not above the law. “An accused is just that—an accused,” Ashoka remarked, emphasizing that being a Chief Minister does not exempt Siddaramaiah from scrutiny. Ashoka added, “The Chief Minister appoints police officers to the Lokayukta, yet he sits back as they act in his favor. This is shameful. Siddaramaiah’s so-called ‘open book’ life now reveals nothing but black marks of corruption.”
Ashoka’s remarks have intensified calls from the opposition for transparency and accountability. Many BJP leaders have accused Siddaramaiah’s government of being mired in scandal and failing to uphold the standards expected of public servants in high office.
Ashoka’s comments are likely to fuel ongoing war of words between the BJP and the Congress, with opposition members demanding further inquiry into Siddaramaiah’s conduct, both as Chief Minister and in connection to the MUDA case. As the case unfolds, pressure mounts on Siddaramaiah to prove his integrity in office amidst growing allegations of corruption.
