‘Political leaders must avoid dragging women from political families into controversies’

Mysuru: In her letter to the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) Commissioner, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s wife B.M. Parvathi has sought comprehensive investigation into all allegations of illegal site allotments in MUDA.

“My husband, Siddaramaiah, the Chief Minister of the State, has maintained an unblemished moral standing throughout his 40-year-long political career. I have lived with the commitment to ensure that nothing arises, either in politics or public life, that would cause him any embarrassment,” she wrote.

“I have never desired a house, property, gold or wealth. I have always conducted myself with care, ensuring that not even a drop of tarnish would touch my husband’s political life. I have watched from a distance, feeling joy and pride, as the people of the State showered my husband with love and respect. Despite this, I am deeply hurt by the allegations related to the MUDA sites in Mysuru. The sites I received concerning the land gifted by my own brother as part of a ‘Arishina- Kumkuma’ ritual have caused such a stir. I never imagined this would lead to my husband unjustly facing                       accusations.”

Parvathi, who has thus far stayed away from the public eye and political limelight, declared that the MUDA sites are insignificant compared to her husband’s honour and reputation.

“For me, neither this site, house, property, nor wealth is greater than my husband’s honour, dignity, respect or peace of mind. Having never sought anything from him or for my family during all the years he has been in power, these sites are as insignificant as straw to me,” she said.

“In this context, I have decided to return the 14 MUDA sites that have become the source of controversy. I am unaware of my husband’s opinion on this matter. I have not discussed this with my son or any other family members. This is a decision I have consciously made, responding to my inner conscience. Some may ask, why have you made such a decision at this stage? I had made this decision the very day the allegations arose. However, some well-wishers suggested that these allegations about MUDA site allocations were made with political malice and that we should fight against this injustice, warning that we should not fall victim to their schemes. That’s why I had initially put aside the decision to return the sites,” she maintained.

In her concluding appeal, she urged political leaders to avoid dragging women from political families into controversies.

“My decision is firm, and along with returning these sites, I urge a comprehensive investigation into all allegations related to MUDA. Lastly, I have a humble request for the leaders of all political parties and members of the media. Please refrain from dragging the women of political families, who are not involved in politics, into controversies for the sake of political vendettas, and do not tarnish their dignity. and honour.”

‘I respect my wife’s decision’

My wife Parvathi has returned the MUDA sites that were given as compensation for the land acquired in Mysuru without following proper land acquisition procedures. The people of the State are aware that the Opposition parties have fabricated false accusations against me out of political vendetta and dragged my family into controversy. My stance was to fight against this injustice without bowing down.

However, my wife, distressed by the ongoing political conspiracy against me, has surprised me by deciding to return these sites. In my four decades of long political career, my wife, who has always stayed within the family and never intervened, has now become a victim of the political vendetta against me and is suffering mentally. Nevertheless, I respect my wife’s decision to return the sites. — Siddaramaiah, Chief Minister, posted on ‘X’

‘First victory in my fight’

I have secured the first victory in my fight. By writing a letter to MUDA to return the sites, the Chief Minister’s wife has admitted to the wrongdoing. The Court will also take this decision into consideration. But the guilty will have to face punishment. If the Court decides to punish the guilty, it may only reduce the severity of the punishment. My intention has always been for the illegally allotted sites to be returned to MUDA. Since 2015, my goal has been for all the sites distributed illegally under the 50:50 ratio to be returned to MUDA and I will continue my legal battle in that direction.  — Snehamayi Krishna, complainant and social activist

Will it erase the crime?

As the legal actions in the MUDA scam intensify, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has decided to return the 14 sites allotted to his wife, marking another victory in our struggle as he now admits to his wrongdoing and surrenders to the truth. However, will a thief become innocent simply by returning stolen property? Does returning stolen goods immediately erase the crime?

It is reassuring that Siddaramaiah has finally realised his mistakes. He must face the investigation. He should resign from his position to ensure an impartial and transparent inquiry. Until then, our fight will continue relentlessly. — R. Ashoka, Leader of Opposition, posted on ‘X’

Resignation only way out

Once, the esteemed Siddaramaiah proclaimed, “If you give me Rs. 62 crore, I will return the sites.” Today, he has unconditionally announced his decision to return the sites allocated to his wife. The BJP asserted that the 14 illegal sites awarded to him serve as a shield against the looting of over 5,000 MUDA sites. In response, we organised ‘Mysuru Chalo’ padayatra, advocating for accountability. He dismissed the integrity of social activists fighting in Court, belittled the Governor’s permission, and challenged it in the higher courts.

As the legal fight tightened and with no hope of victory in Court, the Chief Minister, fearing CBI-ED investigations, suddenly decided to return the sites, resembling a surrender before the legal battle. If he thinks he can escape punishment and remain in the CM’s position, it reflects his ignorance. Returning the sites and admitting to mistakes, along with resigning from the CM’s post, would demonstrate a revival of his long-forgotten morality. — B.Y. Vijayendra, State BJP President, posted on ‘X’