Mysuru: The Mysuru land authority at the centre of a financial and political storm - involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and alleged losses of ₹ 45 crore to the state - has received an offer of restitution from his wife, the urban development body's Commissioner, AN Raghunandan said.
"I am in possession of a letter written by Siddaramaiah's wife regarding her intention to return 14 plots (of land). The Chief Minister's son, Yatindra Siddaramaiah, came to our office and delivered the letter. We will take legal advice for the next step..." he told reporters in Mysuru.
Mr Raghunandan also confirmed anti-corruption officials from the city's Lokayukta branch had written seeking cooperation in its inquiry into the charges against the Chief Minister.
He said the Mysuru Urban Development Authority, or MUDA, "will cooperate with the investigation".
The Enforcement Directorate, however, have not reached out as yet, Mr Raghunandan said. The ED, a federal agency, has filed a money laundering case against Siddaramaiah.
There have also been calls for the CBI, another federal agency, to investigate charges against the Chief Minister, but that appears unlikely now given the Karnataka government has withdrawn general consent for its operations in the state. Law Minister HK Patil made the announcement last week.
He ruled out any link with demands for the Chief Minister to be investigated by the CBI, which reports to the BJP-led central government and the ruling Congress and other opposition parties have claimed is being used by that party to target rival leaders, particularly before elections.
On Monday - three days after the Lokayukta filed a case against the Chief Minister, and hours after the ED launched its probe- Siddaramaiah's wife said she had planned to give up the land earlier but was advised against it the allegations against her husband are "politically motivated".
But now, she said, she had made up her mind as "no house, plot, or wealth is more important than my husband's honor, dignity, and peace of mind". She also said the decision was hers alone; "... I am not aware of my husband's opinion on this matter, nor do I concern myself with what my son thinks".
And, in a comment seen as a calculated swipe at the opposition BJP, which is leading calls for the Chief Minister's resignation, his wife also made an emotional appeal to "all political parties and the media" to "please not drag women of political families into the controversy to settle political scores".
Investigative action against the Chief Minister follows the Karnataka High Court quashing a challenge to Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot's order sanctioning Siddaramaiah's prosecution.
Subsequently a trial court ordered framing of charges and directed the Lokayukta to complete the investigation within three months. The ED case was filed based on the Lokayukta FIR.
Siddaramaiah faces an inquiry into claims Parvathi was allotted 14 plots of land in an upmarket Mysuru area as compensation for land elsewhere - holding a far lower value - taken for infrastructure projects.
The Chief Minister has denied all charges and refused calls to resign.
He has been backed by the Congress and his deputy, DK Shivakumar, who is also the state unit boss, and also by members of his cabinet, including IT Minister Priyank Kharge. However, some within the Congress also want him to quit, such as former Assembly Speaker KB Koliwad.
"I will fight. I am not afraid of anything. We are ready to face the investigation. I will fight this legally," he said last week after the High Court had quashed his challenge to the Governor's sanction.
Comments
U have been voted to develop ur area. Do that first. We muslims don't have any issues if your women's go to temple or not go to temple. It's ur internal matter. We don't interfere. Pls do not interfere in our matters. U have right to do whatever you want to do. We don't come there. So do good to your are in this 5 years and next time also u will get elected for your good deeds. I feel sorry for those who voted you. God bless India.
Ahlan Wa Sahlan welcome to all faith include prathap simha
If in case any muslim women tried to engter Sabarimala temple it is 100 percent her fault. As entry of women is not allowed in this temple, she should respect the rules and should not put herself in trouble. What is the need to her to enter in a restricted area. In case she believes Sabarimala as God, why is she represents as Muslim. None will stop her from follwoing Ayyappa religion as Islam or muslims will not lose anything if she ruins her present and future. As she has no respect to her own religion how can we expect her to respect other religions. she might be doing it to get publicity or she is bribed to do so.
My dear friend, none will stop entry of women of any religion in masjid, but they should pray separately. Many masjids have prayer room for women as they are not allowed to mix with males while praying. However, for your information, it is preferred to muslim women to pray in home and there is no force on them to go to masjid to pray. This is a facility provided to them and in case any woman wants to pray in masjid it is due to the nfluence and unnecesary advice of any person.
Dear ex bhakat, he is a member of kesari jihad organisation.
Yes All Women are welcome. Irrespective of Faiths.
Yes , all faiths are permitted to enter mosque .
E.g. Sheik Zayed Mosque , Abduhabi.UAE.
Please google it if am wrong.
Because u people are borries
Anyone can entre mosque. But women cannot mingle with men in mosque unlike in temples and churches. There will be separate place for men and women. Unfortunately, in India most of the mosques have no facility for women. But Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) warned men against preventing women’s entry into mosque.
What the hell you are asking sir? Are u promoting love jihad?
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