Daijiworld Media Network - Mysuru
Mysuru, Feb 24: Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy has strongly criticised the Karnataka Lokayukta's clean chit to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case, alleging that the Lokayukta report was manipulated to suit the CM's interests.
Speaking at a press conference in Mysuru, Kumaraswamy remarked, “Everyone knows what happened in the MUDA case. The documents speak for themselves.” He also took aim at the Lokayukta, suggesting that the institution now needs "divine protection" after submitting a 'B Report' (closure report) to the court regarding the first four accused in the MUDA scam case, which included Siddaramaiah, his wife B.M. Parvathi, and his brother-in-law Mallikarjunaswamy.
Kumaraswamy claimed, “The Chief Minister has orchestrated the Lokayukta report for his convenience. This case cannot reach a logical conclusion because the government has interfered at every step of the investigation. We are being harassed for raising this issue. For the first time in the state's history, an IAS Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to investigate our land. Five IAS officers have been appointed to the SIT."
The Union Minister also voiced frustration over land-related issues. "Forty years ago, when I was a film distributor in Mysuru, I worked hard to acquire that land. Now, they claim that 14 acres have been encroached upon. I had previously written to the authorities, asking them to conduct a survey and reclaim any encroached land, but my request was ignored. I have been harassed for four decades,” Kumaraswamy said.
He also raised doubts about the legitimacy of new land claimants, asking, “Who are these new claimants? Where did they come from? Who brought them? I have all the information. Let them conduct an international survey—I am not afraid. Is CM Siddaramaiah a modern-day Satya Harishchandra? What about the Hinakal Sakamma land dispute? What is CM Siddaramaiah’s involvement in that?”
Kumaraswamy also condemned the recent attacks on Kannadigas in Belagavi, questioning the state government's response: “Who is this government protecting?”
When asked about the caste census report, Kumaraswamy expressed scepticism, saying, “No one came to my house to conduct a caste census,” referring to statements made by Channagiri Congress MLA. “The caste census report has been kept under wraps for a long time. The government has the report but refuses to release it. Instead, they leak selective details through the media. Are you worshipping the report?” he asked.
Kumaraswamy’s remarks add fuel to ongoing political tensions in Karnataka, with accusations flying over the handling of the MUDA case and concerns about transparency in the state’s governance.