Karnataka CM’s Wife Returns Compensation Sites Over MUDA Scam Controversy: A Political Fallout?

In a dramatic turn of events, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Tuesday that his wife, BM Parvathi, has decided to return 14 compensatory land sites received from the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA). Siddaramaiah characterized her actions as a response to the political fallout surrounding him, especially in light of the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) recent money laundering investigation linked to the MUDA ‘scam.’

Speaking to reporters, Siddaramaiah emphasized that Parvathi’s decision was a “surprise move” aimed at shielding him from public embarrassment amid the ongoing scrutiny. “According to me, there is no money laundering. My legal team will fight this (ED action),” he stated. He elaborated that Parvathi was upset about the allegations and opted to return the land sites to avoid any controversy. “She doesn’t want any controversy,” he added.

Earlier in the day, Siddaramaiah took to social media, expressing that his wife has remained “confined to her family” throughout his four-decade political career and that she has now become a “victim of the politics of hatred against me” and is enduring “psychological torture.” He stated, “I am sorry. However, I respect my wife’s decision to return the plots.”

The Chief Minister explained that the land sites were a gift from her brother, but after the MUDA encroached on the land, it sought compensation. He noted, “After encroaching, MUDA distributed the sites. We asked for compensation in a different place. We did not ask them to give us the plots in Vijayanagar, but they decided to do so. Now this has turned into controversy, and my wife is being affected by the political conspiracy.”

Siddaramaiah reiterated his innocence in the ongoing investigation, accusing former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa of denotifying the land in question. “There is no transaction. There is no paperwork. I have worked according to my conscience, so there is no question of me resigning,” he asserted.

Following the filing of the ED’s FIR against Siddaramaiah, BM Parvathi, who typically shies away from public attention, formally notified MUDA of her decision to return the 14 land sites. These sites were allocated to her as compensation for 3.16 acres of land that had been appropriated by the authority.

In her letter to MUDA, she emphasized that no material possession could outweigh her husband’s honour, asserting that she had never sought personal gain during his long political tenure. The controversy intensified when the Mysuru-based Lokayukta police filed an FIR on September 27, naming Siddaramaiah, BM Parvathi, and two others as accused in the case.

What is the MUDA Scam?

The MUDA case revolves around allegations that compensatory sites were allocated to BM Parvathi in a prime Mysuru area with a significantly higher property value than the original location of her land that was “acquired” by the authority. As the situation unfolds, both Siddaramaiah and his wife face mounting pressure, with the political implications of this case expected to reverberate throughout Karnataka’s political landscape.