New Documents Challenge CM Siddaramaiah’s Claims On Land Acquisition

Freshly surfaced documents appear to contradict Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s recent assertions regarding the acquisition of 3.16 acres of his family’s land in Kesare village, on the outskirts of Mysuru. The documents suggest that not only was Siddaramaiah’s family aware of the acquisition, but his wife, Parvathi, reportedly rejected the compensation proposed by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA).

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy made these revelations public on social media platform X on Friday, sharply criticizing Siddaramaiah for claiming ignorance about the land acquisition. Kumaraswamy accused the Chief Minister of misrepresenting the facts.

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“Respected Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, you falsely assert that neither you nor your family had any involvement in the MUDA land acquisition. Given your legal background and proficiency in Kannada, you should review the available records thoroughly,” Kumaraswamy stated.

The documents indicate that Parvathi Siddaramaiah insisted on a 50:50 land allocation ratio, contrary to MUDA’s offer of either compensation at market value or a 40:60 land ratio. Kumaraswamy question the CM’s stance, asking, “The records clearly show that MUDA direct to accommodate your demands. What do you have to say about this?”

MUDA Officials

Kumaraswamy further criticized Siddaramaiah, questioning his role and implying that the Chief Minister’s position influenced the decisions made by MUDA officials. “Mr. Siddaramaiah, what other options could MUDA officials have had when faced with such insistence? At the time, you were in the Chief Minister’s office. Now, who is really hiding something?” Kumaraswamy challenged.

In related developments, Snehamayi Krishna, one of the petitioners challenging the MUDA land acquisition, has also released the documents. Krishna has filed complaints with Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot and a private court complaint against Siddaramaiah. Krishna contends that the decisions made by MUDA, which included acknowledging a mistake in the land acquisition and proposing alternative land, were influenced by Siddaramaiah when he was Chief Minister. The meeting that led to these decisions was chaired by the late D. Dhruvakumar, a senior Congress leader and close associate of Siddaramaiah, who was then MUDA Chairman.

As Chief Minister Siddaramaiah prepares for a key meeting with Rahul Gandhi and other senior party leaders, sources indicate that he will likely address the MUDA case and the broader political situation in the state.