Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticized the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday for sending a letter to the Lokayukta just before a High Court hearing, alleging it was an attempt to influence the court. He expressed concerns over the timing and media leak of the letter, suggesting political motives. The ED’s letter reportedly claims that the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) illegally allotted 1,095 sites, including to Siddaramaiah’s wife, B M Parvathi. The High Court has directed the Lokayukta to submit a probe report by December 24.
In response to media inquiries at the K.R. Pet helipad in Mandya district, Siddaramaiah questioned the ED’s actions, stating, “The ED is conducting an investigation, which itself is questionable. Even if they conducted the investigation, they could have submitted the report to the Lokayukta afterwards. Instead, they sent a letter to the Lokayukta and leaked the details to the media. This clearly indicates a political motive.”
He further alleged that the timing of the letter and its dissemination to the media—just a day before the High Court hearing—was a deliberate attempt to influence the judiciary and create bias in the court’s stance. Siddaramaiah emphasised that the court had directed the Lokayukta to submit an investigation report by December 24, suggesting that if necessary, the ED could have provided their findings to the Lokayukta without resorting to media leaks.
The ED’s communication to the Karnataka Lokayukta alleges that MUDA “illegally” allotted a total of 1,095 sites through benami and other transactions. The agency also claims that the process of allotting sites to Siddaramaiah’s wife was illegal and that one of his assistants, S.G. Dinesh Kumar alias C.T. Kumar, exerted “undue influence” in the process.
When asked about a potential cabinet reshuffle, Siddaramaiah dismissed the speculation, stating, “Did I say we are doing a cabinet reshuffle? You created your own assumptions and made news. Now, how can you ask me for an answer? The High Command has not issued any instructions regarding this matter.”
The MUDA case has been a contentious issue, with allegations of corruption, cheating, and forgery in the allotment of sites by MUDA to Siddaramaiah’s wife. The Lokayukta police have been investigating the matter, and the High Court’s directive for a probe report by December 24 underscores the seriousness of the allegations.
Also read: Religious Tourism Spurs 67% Housing Surge
Siddaramaiah’s strong response highlights concerns about the impartiality of investigative agencies and the potential for political motivations influencing legal proceedings. The situation continues to develop, with the upcoming High Court hearing and the Lokayukta’s pending report expected to shed more light on the matter.
