Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], January 18 : After the Enforcement Directorate's action in the MUDA scam against Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, State BJP President BY Vijayendra termed it as "Major victory" and said that the ED investigation has exposed a "significant corruption" involving the Chief Minister.
In a post on X, Vijayendra said, "Major Victory in our Fight Against the MUDA Scam! The ED's investigation has exposed significant corruption involving CM@siddaramaiah, who allegedly used his political influence to illegally allocate sites in the name of his wife. The allocation of sites to benamis and dummies of influential persons further highlights the systemic corruption at play."
He also slammed Congress for undermining the Governor's constitutional authority.
"When His Excellency Governor granted sanction for prosecution of CM Siddaramaiah, the Congress party spared no effort in insulting & undermining the constitutional authority of Governor. The Karnataka High Court had also upheld the Governor's decision, emphasizing that the allegations against the Chief Minister's family warranted deeper investigation," he said.
The Karnataka BJP Chief also emphasized that the BJP and JDS have been relentless in their protests, both within and outside the assembly, against this "blatant misuse" of power by CM and his protegees.
He also mentioned that the ED's findings not only validate their persistent fight against corruption but also proves that there is more to this than what meets the eyes.
"This is also a Big Slap on those who were quick to deride our campaign against corruption! This revelation is merely the tip of the iceberg. It is alleged that thousands of crores in public money have been misappropriated in this scam. A comprehensive CBI investigation is required to uncover the full extent of this scandal," Vijayendra said.
"If CM@siddaramaiah values the integrity of his office, he must step down immediately and allow an impartial probe to proceed. The people of Karnataka deserve transparency, accountability, and justice," he added.
Notably, ED has attached 142 immovable properties having a market value of Rs 300 crore in connection with the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and others.
ED's Bangalore Zonal Office attached these properties under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. As per the ED, these properties are registered in the name of various individuals who are working as real estate businessmen and agents.
ED initiated the investigation on the basis of a First Information Report registered by the Lokayuktha Police Mysore under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 against Siddaramaiah and others.
It is alleged that Siddaramaiah has used his political influence to get compensation of 14 sites in the name of his wife BM Parvathi in lieu of three acres 16 guntas of land acquired by MUDA. The land was originally acquired by MUDA for Rs 3,24,700. The compensation in the form of 14 sites at Posh locality is worth Rs. 56 Crore (approx).