New Delhi: As the Karnataka assembly session draws near, allegations of irregularities surrounding site allotments by the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) have ignited a political firestorm, implicating losses in land worth thousands of crores of rupees. The controversy has gained momentum with accusations that Chief Minister Siddaramaiahs wife, Parvathi, benefited from these questionable practices.R Ashoka and CT Ravi from the BJP have alleged that MUDA allocated prime alternate sites in affluent areas of Mysore to influential figures, including Parvathi Siddaramaiah. The BJP claims these allocations were compensatory measures for land Parvathi had surrendered in Mysore for urban development projects.According to the BJP, these actions have caused the state exchequer losses amounting to Rs 4,000 crore, prompting them to prepare a robust challenge against the Congress government during the upcoming legislative assembly session.Controversy Involving Siddaramaiahs FamilyOriginally owning 3 acres and 16 guntas of land in Kesare village, Mysore, gifted by her brother Mallikarjun, Parvathis land was acquired by MUDA for developmental purposes. In 2021, she was purportedly compensated with sites totaling 38,283 square feet in Vijayanagars 3rd and 4th stage layouts, prime real estate in South Mysore.The market value of these Vijayanagar sites allegedly far exceeds that of Parvathis original land in Kesare, raising concerns over the fairness and legality of the compensation process. Notably, it was during the BJPs administration in 2021 that Parvathi received the new sites in Vijayanagar.Legal Defense by Siddaramaiahs CampChief Minister Siddaramaiah has defended the allotment, citing that it occurred during the BJPs tenure in 2021. He clarified that MUDA opted for compensating with Vijayanagar sites due to unavailability in Kesares Devanur 3rd stage layout.Contrary to allegations, Siddaramaiahs legal advisor, A S Ponnanna, argued that the value of the Vijayanagar compensation sites is considerably lower than that of the Kesare land originally owned by Parvathi. Ponnanna emphasised, According to the land acquisition act, Parvathi is entitled to receive Rs 57 crore more from the government, as the value of the sites she received as compensation amounts to just Rs 15-16 crore, significantly lower than the original lands value.Impact of MUDAs 50:50 SchemeThe allotments were executed under MUDAs controversial 50:50 scheme, introduced in 2020, which entitles land losers to 50% of developed sites with the remainder for sale. Amid widespread criticism, Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh revoked the scheme in 2023. However, allegations persist that site allocations continued under this scheme even after its official termination.
