Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday questioned the ED for slapping a money laundering case against him in the MUDA ‘scam’ and also withdrew his resignation over the matter.
Siddaramaiah also alleged that his wife Parvathi BM, who decided to let go of the ownership and possession of 14 plots allotted to her by MUDA (Mysuru Urban Development Authority), is a victim of ‘hate politics’ against her and was surprised. with his movement.
Meanwhile, MUDA today decided to return the 14 plots allotted to Parvathi, following its decision to return them.
The Lokayukta police team investigating the MUDA land allotment case against Siddaramaiah and others on Tuesday inspected the land, instead of which 14 plots were “illegally” allotted to his wife in Mysuru.
Hours after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) booked Siddaramaiah in a money laundering case, his wife on Monday wrote to MUDA appealing her decision to return the plots saying that there is no plot, house, property and wealth greater than the respect and dignity of her husband. , honor and peace of mind.
“I don’t know where this case of money laundering is based. Maybe you (journalists) feel the same way. According to me, it does not attract the charge of money laundering because compensation facilities were provided. So, what is the case of money laundering?” said the Chief Executive here.
The ED registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR), equivalent to an FIR by the police, against the Chief Minister over alleged irregularities in the allotment of 14 plots to his wife by the MUDA.
Meanwhile, a Lokayukta police team which visited the 3.16 acre site along with a special land acquisition officer, surveyors and town planning members from MUDA, inspected the land and took notes, official sources said.
Social activist Snehamayi Krishna in her complaint the Lokayukta police registered an FIR against Siddaramaiah, his wife and two others, who was also present, they said, adding that he appeared before the Lokayukta police in Mysuru, following a notice given for investigation. officials.
MUDA has ordered the cancellation of the sale deed of 14 plots, after Parvathi’s letter directing her to return them, was personally sent to the office of MUDA Commissioner AN Raghunandan by her son and MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah this morning, in Mysuru.
“…we have gone beyond the provisions of our act. There are provisions in our deed to take it back if it is given (back) voluntarily,” Raghunandan said.
Speaking to reporters, he said, “After consulting with the lawyers and the legal officer, and after finding out that everything is correct, we have come to a conclusion. So, we ordered it back. Order us to cancel the deed of sale and transfer it to the sub-registrar.” The prime minister said: “My position was to fight without bowing to this injustice but my wife, who is angry with the political conspiracy that is going on against me, has decided to return these sites, which surprised me as well.” Deciding that he might resign, Siddaramaiah said: “I am working conscientiously.” So there is no need for me to resign.” In the BJP’s contention that the promise to hand over his wife’s plots is equivalent to accepting wrongdoing in the case, the Chief Minister said: “How is it a crime or an admission of guilt if a person decides to throw away something he does not want. the argument? The leaders of the opposition parties are falsely ‘Vishwaguru’.” “Will the case be closed once I resign? They want me to resign unnecessarily. Why should I resign when I have done nothing?” he asked.
Earlier today, state BJP chief N Vijayendra said Parvathi’s decision to donate the buildings amounted to the CM’s official admission of wrongdoing in the MUDA ‘scam’ and demanded her immediate resignation.
He called his move a “political game” and accused it of being aimed at “evading legal obstacles”.
Noting that when Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot ordered an inquiry based on independent complaints against the Chief Minister, Congress President, Ministers and leaders had alleged that his decision was politically motivated, Vijayendra demanded that before resigning as CM, Siddaramaiah should apologize to the Governor.
He also urged the Home Minister and the Director General of Police to immediately ensure adequate police security to Snehamayi Krishna on her complaint the Lokayukta police registered an FIR against Siddaramaiah, his wife and two others, saying there were reports of a “conspiracy” against him. he.
Home Minister G Parameshwara on Tuesday alleged a political motive behind the ED case against the Prime Minister, while quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi raising the MUDA case during the recent election rally in Haryana. “Our suspicion is that there is an intention to undermine the Congress government here due to political evil.” He said: “Let’s wait and see what will happen legally, after his wife (Siddaramaiah) has returned the plots to MUDA.” When asked if returning the sites means accepting evil, the Minister of Interior replied: “No, the reason for returning these places is clearly stated… He also said that the Congress party and all 136 Members of Parliament stood by the CM.
(This story was not edited by News18 staff and was published by an integrated news agency – PTI)