Siddaramaiah questions ED's case, rules out resignation

BENGALURU: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday firmly questioned the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) decision to file a money laundering case against him in relation to the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam.

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He ruled out resigning over the matter and stated that the case against him does not merit such allegations.

The case revolves around the allotment of 14 plots of land by MUDA to his wife, Parvathi B M. While Parvathi decided to return the plots, Siddaramaiah alleged that she was a victim of the "politics of hate" targeting him. He expressed surprise at his wife's decision to relinquish the plots and vowed to fight the accusations.

The ED registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR), which is akin to an FIR, against Siddaramaiah over alleged irregularities in the allotment of the 14 sites to his wife. The Chief Minister defended himself by questioning the legal basis of the money laundering charge, noting that the plots were compensatory sites.

"I don't know on what grounds it's a money laundering case. Probably you (reporters) too feel the same. According to me, it does not attract the money laundering case because compensatory sites were given. So, how is it a money laundering case?" Siddaramaiah asked.