Only CBI inquiry can bring out truth in MUDA case, says BJP leader R Ashoka

BENGALURU: Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, R Ashoka, on Wednesday expressed his dissatisfaction with the Lokayukta inquiry into the MUDA scam and said that only a CBI inquiry can bring out the truth regarding what happened in the MUDA case.

Ashoka said, “The High Court has given the verdict. CM Siddaramaiah is involved in the case. Lokayukta Police has also called for the inquiry…I am not satisfied with the Lokayukta inquiry…Only the CBI inquiry can give the correct information regarding what happened in the MUDA case. That’s why we demand CBI inquiry”.

#WATCH | Bengaluru | On Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah appearing before Lokayukta Police in Mysuru in connection with alleged MUDA scam, Karnataka Assembly LoP R Ashoka says, “The High Court has given the verdict. CM Siddaramaiah is involved in the case. Lokayukta Police has also… pic.twitter.com/OQZTLqvNYm

— ANI (@ANI) November 6, 2024

BJP leader Ponguleti Sudhakar Reddy demanded that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah resign on moral grounds. “The Siddaramaiah’s government has lost its grip on the administration. Rightly, said by the LoP (R Ashoka), he (CM Siddaramaiah) should resign on the moral grounds”, BJP leader Reddy said.

#WATCH | Bengaluru, Karnataka | BJP leader Ponguleti Sudhakar Reddy says, “…The Siddaramaiah’s government has lost its grip on the administration. Rightly, said by the LoP (R Ashoka), he (CM Siddaramaiah) should resign on the moral grounds…” pic.twitter.com/jGYN5ppQgr

— ANI (@ANI) November 6, 2024

Law Minister H K Patil said, “CM Siddaramaiah is a law-abiding citizen…I am sure that CM will respect the law & will not be second to anybody as far as respecting the law is concerned”.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday arrived at Lokayukta Police office in Mysuru for an inquiry over the alleged irregularities in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam.The Mysuru Lokayukta officially has initiated an inquiry into the MUDA scam case following a September 27 court order to file an FIR.

The Lokayukta was directed to investigate allegations of illegalities in the allotment of 14 sites worth Rs 56 crore to Siddaramaiah’s wife, Parvathi. It is alleged that MUDA illegally allotted these sites to the Chief Minister’s wife in a prime location in Mysuru city.

The ED has also filed a money laundering case against Siddaramaiah and others. This case was prompted by a First Information Report (FIR) from the state Lokayukta concerning the MUDA, placing the Chief Minister in a difficult situation. The FIR names Siddaramaiah, his wife BM Parvathi, his brother-in-law Mallikarjuna Swamy, and Devaraju, from whom Swamy bought land that was later gifted to Parvathi.

The ED has applied provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in its case, allowing the agency to summon individuals for questioning and possibly seize assets during the investigation.Siddaramaiah has consistently denied the allegations, claiming that he is facing political persecution. He has stated that he will not resign, despite ongoing demands from the BJP for him to leave his position as head of government.

As the allegations surfaced, the BJP has accused the Congress of supporting “corrupt” leaders and has demanded Siddaramaiah’s resignation. However, Siddaramaiah has quashed all demands for his resignation. On Tuesday, the Karnataka High Court issued notices to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and others on a petition seeking the transfer of the investigation into the MUDA land allotment case registered against the Chief Minister, his wife, and others.

On a petition filed by Snehamayi Krishna, the court also issued notices to the Central and State governments, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and the Lokayukta police. The High Court directed the Lokayukta police to submit details of the probe conducted until November 25 while adjourning further hearings on the petition until November 26. (ANI)