Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s recent land affidavits have come under scrutiny due to discrepancies regarding a 3.16-acre agricultural land parcel in Mysore that was gifted to his wife, B M Parvati Siddaramaiah, 14 years ago. The affidavits filed over the past three assembly elections have revealed inconsistencies, as reported by The Indian Express. This land, gifted in 2010 by her brother, has become a focal point of political controversy, leading to planned protests by the BJP in Mysore, Siddaramaiah’s hometown.
A comparison of Siddaramaiah’s affidavits for the elections in 2013, 2018, and 2023 with public land records has shown discrepancies regarding the ownership of the 3.16-acre agricultural land in Kesare village. In 2013, the affidavit did not reflect his wife’s ownership, despite land records indicating a gift deed back in 2010. By 2018, the ownership was acknowledged, with the land valued at ₹25 lakh, designated as a gift from her brother. In 2023, the affidavit detailed the exchange of land by MUDA, valued at ₹8.33 crore.
These inconsistencies have resulted in a complaint by activist T J Abraham, alleging that Siddaramaiah submitted a false affidavit in 2013. In response, Siddaramaiah has denied any wrongdoing, claiming to be targeted unfairly and suggesting a conspiracy against him due to personal bias as a leader from a backward class community serving as chief minister for the second term.
The controversy further deepens with allegations of the BJP questioning the land’s transfer to the state in 2021 in exchange for housing plots developed under a controversial alternate site scheme by MUDA. Siddaramaiah, however, defends the land exchange, stating it occurred during the BJP’s tenure and asserting his family’s entitlement to compensation under the land acquisition act.
Addressing the complaints and allegations, Siddaramaiah has expressed readiness to cooperate with any inquiries conducted by relevant authorities, ensuring full compliance with legal requirements. The matter continues to unfold amidst the backdrop of political tensions and public scrutiny on the issue of land ownership and transparency in governance.
