In a significant development, Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has given the green light for the prosecution of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over allegations tied to the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment controversy. This decision, announced on Saturday, marks a crucial moment in the ongoing investigation into the purported scam.Governors Decision and Petition BackgroundThe governors approval for prosecution stems from three petitions lodged by individuals identified as T J Abraham, Pradeep, and Snehamayi Krishna. An official from the Raj Bhavan confirmed the governors action, stating, The Governor has granted sanction for prosecution against the Chief Minister. It is based on three petitions filed by T J Abraham, one Pradeep and Snehamayi Krishna.Previously, on July 26, Governor Gehlot had issued a show-cause notice to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, demanding an explanation within seven days on why he should not be prosecuted. The Karnataka cabinet responded robustly, urging the governor to retract the notice. They accused the governor of misusing his constitutional role in this matter.The MUDA scam involves allegations of corruption linked to the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), and it is connected to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah through claims of improper land allotment practices. However, the minister from Karnataka government has refuted all the claims and alleged that the same has been orchestrated by the Central government. Priyank Kharge said, “Raj Bhavan is being misused as the BJPs tool to undermine a democratically elected government.”The Karnataka Governors decision to sanction the prosecution of CM @siddaramaiah in the MUDA case has been orchestrated by the Central Government.Raj Bhavan is being misused as the BJPs tool to undermine a democratically elected government. The Constitutional head of the…— Priyank Kharge / ಪ್ರಿಯಾಂಕ್ ಖರ್ಗೆ (@PriyankKharge) August 17, 2024What is the MUDA Scam all aboutThe MUDA scam centers on the controversial exchange of land in Mysuru. Allegations suggest that valuable land in prime areas was swapped for less desirable plots located in more remote parts of the city. This purported swap has led to accusations of financial mismanagement and corruption.Connection to SiddaramaiahChief Minister Siddaramaiah is implicated in the scandal through accusations that he was involved in or benefited from these land transactions. Opposition parties claim that the scam involves a substantial amount of Rs 3,000 crore and suggest that Siddaramaiahs wife, Parvathi, is a direct beneficiary of the dubious land exchanges. The controversy has intensified due to the high-profile nature of the individuals involved and the significant financial sums purportedly at stake.Allegations and ProsecutionThe Governor of Karnataka has approved the prosecution of Siddaramaiah based on petitions filed by individuals alleging his involvement in the scam. The approval for prosecution follows an earlier show-cause notice issued by the governor, which demanded an explanation from Siddaramaiah on why he should not face legal action.
