Mysuru, October 16: Mari Gowda, head of the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) and a long-time associate of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, resigned on Wednesday, citing health concerns. His resignation comes amid a growing controversy surrounding a land scam investigation involving Siddaramaiah, his wife BN Parvathi, and other family members.
Gowda, who has been associated with Siddaramaiah since 1983, held multiple leadership roles over the years, including the presidency of the Mysuru Taluk Panchayat and vice presidency of the Zilla Panchayat. His departure, however, coincides with ongoing inquiries by the state anti-corruption body Lokayukta and the federal Enforcement Directorate (ED) into allegations of illegal land allotment.
The Land Scam Allegations
The controversy centers around the allotment of 14 premium land plots in Mysuru’s Vijayanagar area to Siddaramaiah’s wife, BN Parvathi. The Chief Minister claims these plots were a gift from her brother in compensation for less valuable land taken for infrastructure projects. Activists allege that the state suffered a loss of ₹45 crore due to this transaction.
BN Parvathi recently offered to return the plots, stating in a letter to MUDA that she had intended to do so earlier but was advised against it, claiming the allegations were “politically motivated.” Siddaramaiah has publicly supported her decision, calling her a “victim of political hatred” and accusing opponents of causing her “psychological torture.”
Investigations and Legal Proceedings
The Karnataka High Court recently upheld Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot’s decision to allow the prosecution of Siddaramaiah. Following this, a trial court framed charges, prompting investigations by the Lokayukta and the ED.
The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (Secular) have demanded Siddaramaiah’s resignation and called for an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). However, since the state government withdrew general consent for CBI probes, the federal agency will require special permission to intervene.
Despite mounting pressure from political opponents and criticism within his own Congress party, Siddaramaiah has refused to step down, stating that he has not been convicted of any crime.
