JD(S) MLA backs Siddaramaiah's 'no resignation' stand in MUDA case, jabs own party

GT Devegowda said no law dictates that a Chief Minister, who has been named as an accused in a case, has to resign over the allegations.

In Short

• Devegowda criticises calls for Siddaramaiah's resignation over involvement in MUDA case
• Calls MUDA scam case an "accidental incident"
• Allegations involve illegal site allottment to Siddaramaiah's wife by MUDA

Janata Dal (Secular) MLA GT Devegowda threw his weight behind Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah amid the ongoing investigation into his alleged involvement in the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam case.

Dismissing Opposition leaders demanding Siddaramaiah's resignation, Devegowda aimed a dig at his own party, asking if HD Kumaraswamy would've resigned from the chief minister's post over baseless allegations.

The case against the Karnataka Chief Minister pertains to allegations of illegalities in the allotment of 14 sites to Siddaramaiah's wife, Parvathi Siddaramaiah, by MUDA. It has been alleged that the compensatory sites allotted to his wife are worth far more than that of the land acquired from her by MUDA.

Calling it an "accidental incident", Devegowda said that an investigation is underway and merely an FIR against him doesn't warrant Siddaramaiah's resignation.

"The Governor ordered for investigation on this (MUDA case). (The High Court) Justice also upheld the Governor's order. Is any law stated to send him to jail? Is the court asking for a resignation? Don't ministers in the Central government have responsibilities? If
HD Kumaraswamy is told to resign, would he do it?" Devegowda asked.

"Can Siddaramaiah, who has won 136 seats and become CM, resign? Is it possible? Just because there are demands for resignation, will it happenâ€æ Who all have FIRs filed against them? Should everyone resign?" he further said.

A money-laundering case was recently filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against Siddaramaiah for his alleged involvement in the MUDA scam.

The chief minister questioned the money-laundering case, saying that the 14 housing sites had been given to his wife as compensation for the land that was taken from them.

However, after a money-laundering case was filed, Siddaramaiah formally expressed her intention to return 14 plots that she received in Mysuru's upscale Vijayanagar area.

"I am willing to return the 14 sites by way of cancelling the sale deed. I want MUDA to acquire these sites. I request you to take a step in this direction at the earliest," Parvathi said in a letter.

"My wife made an independent decision. She did not discuss the issue with me. I came to know of her decision later," Siddaramaiah said in response.