Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah questioned by Lokayukta police over alleged site allotment irregularities
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was questioned for nearly two hours by the Lokayukta police in Mysuru on November 6, in connection with alleged irregularities in the allotment of compensatory sites to his wife, Parvathi, by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA).
Siddaramaiah arrived at the Lokayukta police office in a private vehicle, in compliance with the code of conduct for the ongoing Assembly by-elections. He was questioned from 10:10 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. at the office of the Superintendent of Lokayukta Police on Dewan’s Road. A heavy police presence was maintained around the area, with barricades set up at key points to control access.
After the questioning, Siddaramaiah spoke to reporters at the Government Guest House. He stated that he had answered all the questions posed to him, and his responses were recorded and reviewed for accuracy.
In response to questions, the Chief Minister defended the legality of the allotment of 14 sites to his wife, asserting that the process was within the bounds of the law. He accused the BJP and JD(S) of making false allegations against him. Siddaramaiah clarified that the 14 sites were allotted to Parvathi in exchange for 3 acres and 16 guntas of land in Kesare, Mysuru, which had been used by MUDA for development purposes.
When asked why the sites were returned to MUDA if the allotment was legal, Siddaramaiah explained that his wife had decided to return the sites due to the false accusations against him.
On whether he found the inquiry embarrassing, Siddaramaiah replied, “A false case has been filed against me. They questioned me, and I stated the facts.” He added that the charges could not tarnish his reputation until the matter is decided by the courts, and he would respond to the allegations in court as well as during the investigation.
Regarding calls for a CBI probe, the Chief Minister pointed out that Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot had ordered an investigation by the Lokayukta, an independent agency of Karnataka. He questioned whether the BJP had ever requested a CBI investigation into any case and emphasized the autonomy of the Lokayukta.
Reacting to the ‘Go Back’ protests organized by the BJP in Mysuru against his appearance at the Lokayukta inquiry, Siddaramaiah asked, “Does the BJP not want the investigation to proceed? If they oppose it, it suggests the allegations are baseless.”
Siddaramaiah also clarified that he had not been asked by the Lokayukta police to return for further questioning.
Earlier in the day, Siddaramaiah arrived in Mysuru from Bengaluru and was given a guard of honour at the Government Guest House. He was accompanied by Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna, who also serves as his legal advisor. After the questioning, the Chief Minister left for Channapatna to continue his election campaigning.