Kumaraswamy Criticises CM Siddaramaiah Over MUDA Case Involving Wife

Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Kumaraswamy launched a sharp attack against the current Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday, accusing him of dragging his wife into the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land allotment controversy. The public confrontation stems from allegations of irregularities in site allotments by MUDA to Siddaramaiah’s family members, including his wife, Parvathi BM.

Kumaraswamy Criticises Siddaramaiah’s Defence

During a press conference, Kumaraswamy expressed frustration with Siddaramaiah’s repeated claims that the opposition was unfairly targeting his wife. “Time and again you say the opposition is jealous and accuse us of dragging your wife into the MUDA case. You have brought your wife, who was respectfully at home, out into the open because of the wrongs you have committed in her name,” Kumaraswamy stated.

His remarks were in direct response to Siddaramaiah’s recent appeal to the public, where the chief minister defended his wife and criticised the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and JD(S) for allegedly unfairly targeting his family. Siddaramaiah claimed that his wife had no involvement in public life and that the attacks on her were politically motivated, stemming from the opposition’s inability to accept someone from a backward community occupying the CM’s post.

MUDA Land Allotment Controversy

The controversy surrounding the land allotment involves allegations that 14 sites were allocated to Siddaramaiah’s wife, Parvathi, and other family members under questionable circumstances. The matter has now come under investigation by the Lokayukta and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Along with Parvathi, the investigation has named Siddaramaiah’s brother-in-law Mallikarjuna Swamy and Devaraju, a landowner involved in the transaction.

Siddaramaiah has strongly denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the attacks on his family are politically motivated and aimed at discrediting his government. He argued that the opposition is uncomfortable with his leadership due to his AHINDA (minorities, backward classes, and Dalits) background.

AHINDA Commitments Questioned

Kumaraswamy also took the opportunity to criticise Siddaramaiah’s record on the AHINDA platform, which the chief minister frequently champions. He questioned Siddaramaiah’s dedication to the welfare of these communities, saying, “Repeatedly you speak about AHINDA, but what have you done for them? Haven’t we seen what happened in the Valmiki corporation scam and the looting that took place there?”

He further challenged Siddaramaiah to a public debate, asking the CM to compare the development work undertaken during his JD(S)-Congress coalition government in 2018-19 with that of the current Congress administration. Kumaraswamy pointed to growing dissatisfaction among citizens over the state of governance and called upon Siddaramaiah to explain how his policies had improved the lives of the people.

“Let him ask the people what they will do to him for this kind of governance,” Kumaraswamy added, reflecting the political discontent brewing in the state over corruption allegations and the efficacy of Siddaramaiah’s government.

Siddaramaiah Defends His Government and Family

Siddaramaiah, in response, addressed the issue during the “Swabhimani Samavesha” (self-esteem convention) for AHINDA communities, where he reiterated his defence of his family. He strongly condemned the opposition for involving his wife in the controversy, arguing that she has never been a part of political life.

“They (opposition) got so frustrated that they dragged my wife, who had never entered politics or stepped out of her house (in public life), on the road,” Siddaramaiah said. He asked the public to question whether the opposition’s actions were justified, insisting that his wife had nothing to do with the alleged land irregularities.

Siddaramaiah further defended his government’s initiatives, pointing to the five guarantees introduced last year, which he said had significantly improved the socio-economic status of the state’s marginalised communities, including backward classes, women, and Dalits. He suggested that this progress is what the opposition finds intolerable.

“They want to topple the Siddaramaiah government for just one reason—that I belong to a backward community. That’s their heartburn. Can you tolerate this?” he passionately asked during the convention, reinforcing his argument that the attacks on him and his family are rooted in caste-based politics.

Political Tensions Continue to Rise

As the political tensions rise, the confrontation between Siddaramaiah and Kumaraswamy continues to escalate, with both leaders trading accusations. Siddaramaiah remains under the scrutiny of the Lokayukta and ED, while Kumaraswamy maintains that the CM’s governance has failed to deliver on its promises to the state’s most vulnerable communities.

Both leaders are now vying for public support, using the AHINDA platform and their respective records in government to win over voters. With the 2024 Karnataka assembly elections looming, the MUDA case and allegations of corruption could play a significant role in shaping the political landscape in the months to come.