Bangalore. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday rejected the BJP’s demand for a CBI probe into alleged irregularities in allotment of plots by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) to land losers, including his wife Parvathy.
Terming the allegations levelled against him by the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as “political”, Siddaramaiah questioned whether his family has to give up their land just because he is the chief minister. The BJP has alleged that Parvathy was also allotted an alternate place in a posh area of Mysuru, which was worth more than her land which was “acquired” by the MUDA. The BJP has demanded the resignation of the chief minister over these allegations.
MUDA had allotted plots to Parvati under a 50:50 ratio scheme in lieu of her land of more than three acres, where MUDA had chalked out a housing scheme. The controversial scheme envisages allotment of 50 per cent developed land to the land loser in lieu of the acquired undeveloped land. The BJP has alleged irregularities worth Rs 4,000 crore in allotment of plots to the land losers by MUDA.
A BJP leader claimed, “Apparently 4,500-5,000 plots have been allotted in violation of norms.” The BJP on Thursday staged a protest in Mysuru, the chief minister’s home district, and tried to gherao the MUDA office there. But the police detained party workers and later released them.
Responding to a question on the BJP’s demand for a CBI probe, Siddaramaiah said, “Have they (BJP) given any case (to CBI) during their tenure? I have given seven cases (including those from his earlier tenure as chief minister). This is not a case that should be given to CBI…we had also asked, have they (given any case to CBI for investigation).” According to official sources, the chief minister tried to justify himself in the cabinet meeting today, saying he had nothing to do with it.