Karnataka cancels plot allocation after row over CM Siddaramaiah's wife land

BENGALURU: A day after BJP alleged irregularities and nepotism in a Rs 4,000-crore site-allotment scam in Mysuru, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Wednesday suspended allocation of alternative sites made by Mysuru Urban Development Authority (Muda), including to his wife Parvathi, pending investigations.
"Since we have suspended the allocation, there is no monetary loss to Muda as alleged by BJP," said Siddaramaiah, contending allocation was done during the previous BJP govt.
The controversy stems from BJP's allegations that Muda deviated from the standard site allotment ratio of 40:60 in favour of a 50:50 ratio for the CM's wife, allegedly on Siddaramaiah's directive.
BJP had alleged Muda allotted alternative sites in high-value areas of Mysuru, far more valuable than the original land parted with for development. BJP said how were alternative sites allotted in premium layouts when the rules clearly say it should be given in a new layout.
Siddaramaiah said, "The earlier BJP govt framed rules that those who lost land should be compensated with 50:50 ratio. The BJP is now claiming the rule has been misused. To find out whether the provision has been misused, we are conducting an inquiry. The officers who distributed these sites got transferred over time and an inquiry is being conducted through senior IAS officers. After getting the report, we will initiate action (against the guilty)."
CM: Won't resign, I have no role in scam
Reacting to BJP's demand for his resignation over alleged involvement in Muda and Valmiki Development ST Corporation scams, CM said, "Why should I resign and what is my role in these scams? Will leader of opposition R Ashoka resign as soon as charges are levelled against him? He had secured bail following charges in the Akrama-Sakrama scheme and he had also appealed for quashing of the matter against him."
On the ST corporation scam, Siddaramaiah maintained he would not quit as he had no role in it. On allegations of involvement of medical education minister Sharan Prakash Patil, the CM said he had secured the resignation of ST welfare minister B Nagendra, even though his name was not mentioned in the suicide note of a Board officer, alleging political pressure. He said the case has already been handed over to the CID and the CBI is also investigating related bank transactions in parallel. "SIT is looking into such allegations against Patil and tribal welfare Board chairman, Basavaraja Daddal. If they are found guilty, action will be initiated," he said.
BJP state president BY Vijayendra alleged urban development minister Byrathi Suresh has taken away files pertaining to site allotment. Full report on www.toi.in