Karnataka’s MUDA Sites Allocation Scam: Basavaraj Bommai Demands CBI Investigation

Basavaraj Bommai, the former Chief Minister of Karnataka, has urged the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) sites allocation scam. He believes that an independent investigation by the CBI or a judicial probe is necessary to uncover the truth behind the alleged irregularities.

Speaking to the media in Gadag, Bommai emphasized that if there were no irregularities in the MUDA case, as claimed by the current Chief Minister, then an investigation would be necessary to bring out the truth. He pointed out that land has been allocated under different schemes in various governments, and if the scheme has been legally complied with, there should be no issue. However, if there have been changes to the scheme, an investigation would expose everything.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi had also demanded an impartial investigation into the MUDA scam a day earlier. He alleged that the scam is worth more than ₹3,800 crores and that plots authorized by MUDA have been transferred in the name of the wife of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Joshi claimed that the then DC, who has now been transferred, had written over 15 letters to the state government to look into the matter and provide proper directions to MUDA, but the government failed to act. By transferring the DC, the scam has been proven, and Joshi demanded a proper and impartial investigation, which should be handed over to the CBI.

Bommai also criticized the state government for its handling of the dengue fever outbreak. He accused them of playing with the lives of the poor and failing to take precautionary measures. He pointed out that dengue is a disease caused by stagnant water following rains and that the government should have undertaken awareness campaigns and fumigation. Instead, the government attempted to downplay the severity of the outbreak by categorizing dengue cases under different categories and reducing the number of tests conducted. Bommai claimed that the actual number of cases is double the official figure, with many deaths not being reported.

The former Chief Minister underscored the need for proper testing, medication, and treatment. He pointed out that many district hospitals lack the necessary facilities, and taluk-level hospitals are even worse. Bommai called on the government to constitute a task force committee to address the dengue crisis immediately and take war footing measures. He warned that if the outbreak is not contained, it could lead to other diseases and take months for patients to recover.

Bommai also emphasized the need to increase testing, supply medicines and vaccines more widely, and ensure free testing and treatment for the poor, who cannot afford it. He urged the government to take immediate action to contain the outbreak and prevent further loss of life.

Key Points:

• Basavaraj Bommai demands CBI investigation into MUDA sites allocation scam
• Union Minister Pralhad Joshi also demands impartial investigation into the scam
• Allegations of irregularities in land allocation worth over ₹3,800 crores
• Government accused of playing with the lives of the poor during dengue outbreak
• Need for proper testing, medication, and treatment to contain the outbreak
• Government urged to take immediate action to prevent further loss of life

Historical Context:

The Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) is a government agency responsible for urban planning and development in Mysuru, Karnataka. The agency has been embroiled in several controversies in the past, including allegations of corruption and irregularities in land allocation. The current Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, has been accused of being involved in the scam, with allegations that plots authorized by MUDA have been transferred in the name of his wife.

The dengue fever outbreak in Karnataka is a recurring issue, with the state experiencing frequent outbreaks in recent years. The disease is caused by stagnant water and can be prevented through awareness campaigns, fumigation, and proper testing and treatment. The state government has been criticized for its handling of the outbreak, with allegations that it has downplayed the severity of the situation and failed to take adequate measures to contain it.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• Basavaraj Bommai, former Chief Minister of Karnataka, demands CBI investigation into MUDA sites allocation scam
• Union Minister Pralhad Joshi also demands impartial investigation into the scam, alleging irregularities worth over ₹3,800 crores
• Allegations include transfer of plots in the name of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s wife
• Government accused of playing with the lives of the poor during dengue outbreak
• Need for proper testing, medication, and treatment to contain the outbreak
• Government urged to take immediate action to prevent further loss of life
• Bommai criticizes government’s handling of dengue outbreak, accusing it of downplaying severity and failing to take adequate measures
• He demands constitution of a task force committee to address the crisis and take war footing measures
• Bommai emphasizes need for increased testing, supply of medicines and vaccines, and free testing and treatment for the poor