Karnataka CM Faces Heat Over MUDA Site Allotment 'Scam'

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is under scrutiny as Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot issues a show-cause notice regarding the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment 'scam'. The Governor seeks an explanation on why prosecution should not proceed, prompting discussions with top Congress leaders. Allegations involve allotment of plots to Siddaramaiah's wife.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is facing intensified scrutiny after Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot reportedly issued a show-cause notice, a precursor to sanctioning his prosecution in the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment 'scam'. The Governor has asked Siddaramaiah to explain why sanction for prosecution should not be granted in relation to the alleged irregularities involving site distributions by MUDA, including those to his wife, Parvathi.

In a breakfast meeting with his Cabinet colleagues, Siddaramaiah discussed political and legal strategies, taking into account directions from the Congress high command. A formal Cabinet meeting is scheduled for later today.

On Tuesday, Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar met Congress President M Mallikarjun Kharge and other senior party leaders in New Delhi. This move follows BJP legislators pressing the Governor to transfer the MUDA case to the CBI and demanding the Chief Minister's resignation. The inquiry surrounds allegations that compensatory sites in a prime area were wrongfully allotted to Siddaramaiah's wife, estimated to be part of a Rs 4,000 crore to Rs 5,000 crore scam. The Congress government has appointed former High Court Judge Justice P N Desai to probe the matter.

(With inputs from agencies.)