Wed Sep 25 10:55:46 UTC 2024: ## Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Ordered to be Investigated in MUDA Land Allotment Scam

**Bengaluru:** In a major development, a Bengaluru court has ordered the Lokayukta police to investigate Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in connection with allegations of irregularities in the allotment of Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) sites. This order comes just a day after the Karnataka High Court upheld Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot’s sanction for an inquiry into the matter.

The Special Court Judge Santhosh Gajanan Bhat directed the Lokayukta police to investigate under Section 156 (3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and submit their report by December 24th.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, while asserting his innocence, stated that he was not afraid of the investigation and was ready to face it legally. He rejected calls for his resignation, labeling the entire case as a politically motivated conspiracy.

The High Court’s decision, dismissing Siddaramaiah’s plea against the Governor’s August 16th order sanctioning an investigation under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act, 1988, paved the way for the court’s order. The Governor’s approval was based on complaints filed by activists accusing the Chief Minister of benefiting from illegal allotment of MUDA plots.

The High Court, in its ruling, deemed this case an exceptional circumstance where the Governor’s independent decision was warranted, citing the gravity of the allegations and the potential for interference if the investigation were left solely to the state government.

The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seized the opportunity, demanding that Siddaramaiah step down to allow for an independent investigation. The BJP’s senior leader, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, stated that the High Court’s decision validates the Governor’s action and necessitates the Chief Minister’s resignation.

The investigation by the Lokayukta police is expected to shed light on the alleged irregularities in the MUDA land allotment process and determine if the Chief Minister was involved in any wrongdoing. This development has added a new dimension to the ongoing political battle in Karnataka, with the ruling Congress facing further pressure amidst accusations of corruption.

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