Lagatar24 Desk
Bengaluru: Amid an ongoing investigation into Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s alleged involvement in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land allotment case, the authority’s chairperson, K Marigowda, resigned on Wednesday, citing health issues.
Marigowda, who is known to be a close associate of Siddaramaiah, stated that his resignation was due to health concerns and instructions from the Chief Minister.
In a statement to the media following his resignation, Marigowda dismissed claims of political pressure. “I met with the minister and submitted my resignation. The Chief Minister advised me to step down, and I followed his instructions. Additionally, my health is not good, which influenced my decision. A judicial inquiry is underway, and it will uncover the truth behind the allegations,” he said.
He added, “There was no external pressure. I am stepping down because of personal health issues. I have known the Chief Minister for over 40 years, and he never asked me to do anything illegal, including matters related to MUDA. I have suffered two strokes and cannot continue in this capacity.”
Marigowda had been admitted to the hospital last month due to exhaustion and distress while traveling to Bengaluru. After initial treatment in Bengaluru, he was transferred to Mysuru for further care.
Siddaramaiah Under Fire Over Land Allotment Case
The resignation comes amid accusations against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Marigowda by the BJP and opposition parties, linked to the controversial MUDA land allotment case. The BJP has been demanding Siddaramaiah’s resignation after the Karnataka High Court dismissed his petition challenging the Governor’s decision to prosecute him over the alleged land allotment irregularities.
The case revolves around allegations that compensatory plots were allotted to Siddaramaiah’s wife, BM Parvathi, in an upscale area of Mysuru, which allegedly had a higher property value compared to the land that MUDA had acquired from her. Under the MUDA’s 50:50 land exchange scheme, Parvathi had received plots in return for 3.16 acres of her land, where MUDA developed a residential layout. Activists claim that the allotted plot had a much higher market value than the originally acquired land.
