Corruption Case Against Karnataka CM: Governor Approves, Fake Land Compensation Docs Used

A case will be filed against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah regarding the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam. The Siddaramaiah government will hold a meeting on this matter at 5 PM today and will challenge this decision in the High Court on Monday.

Governor Approves Case Against CM Siddaramaiah

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has approved filing a case against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah under Section 17 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and Section 218 of the Indian Civil Protection Code, 2023. This decision was made based on petitions by T.J. Abraham, Pradeep, and Snehmayi Krishna.

Governor’s Notice to CM Siddaramaiah

Earlier, on July 26, Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot issued a show-cause notice, asking the Chief Minister to respond within seven days on why a case should not be filed against him. The Karnataka government accused the Governor of abusing his power in this matter.

Complaints Filed Against CM Siddaramaiah and Others in MUDA Scam

In the MUDA scam, complaints have been filed against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and nine others. It is alleged that CM Siddaramaiah, along with his wife and relatives, conspired with MUDA officials to fraudulently acquire expensive sites by preparing false documents under the 50:50 site distribution scheme.

What is the 50:50 Land Allocation Scheme?

This scheme was implemented during the tenure of both the previous BJP and current Congress governments in Karnataka. The land allocation dispute has gained attention because CM Siddaramaiah’s wife was a beneficiary of this MUDA scheme in 2021.

Under this scheme, the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) could acquire land to develop residential layouts. In return, landowners would receive 50% of the developed land. However, due to growing controversy, the scheme was withdrawn in 2023 by Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh.

When and What Allegations Were Made?

Central BJP ally Janata Dal (Secular) leader and Union Minister Kumaraswamy claimed that the dispute over the alternative land allocation scheme in Mysore is a result of the ongoing tussle within the Congress party between CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar over the Chief Minister’s position.

RTI Activist Uncovers Land Allocation Scam

The land allocation scam was exposed by an RTI activist who revealed that over 6,000 sites have been allocated under the 50:50 scheme in the past four years.

Under this scheme, landowners whose land was acquired by MUDA were allocated high-value alternative sites as compensation. Allegations have also been made that even those who lost their land in Mysore were given higher-priced alternative sites under this scheme.

Demand for Investigation into the Scam

On July 5, activist Kurubara Shanthakumar wrote a letter to the Governor stating that the Mysore Deputy Commissioner had written 17 letters to MUDA between February 8, 2023, and November 9, 2023, and had requested the Karnataka government to investigate the 50:50 scam and the MUDA Commissioner on November 27. Despite this, the MUDA Commissioner continued allocating thousands of sites without regard for the law. In this situation, the BJP is now targeting the current Karnataka government over this alleged scam.

Controversy Over 100% Reservation in Private Jobs in Karnataka

On the evening of July 17, the Karnataka government temporarily stayed the decision to provide 100% reservation for locals in C and D category jobs in the private sector. Sources in the Chief Minister’s Office stated that the government would review the reservation policy and then make a final decision.