Governor gives notice to CM on MUDA ‘scam’; Siddaramaiah calls breakfast meeting with Ministers today

In a major political development, Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot is learnt to have issued a “showcause notice” to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah seeking more explanation from him on the alleged irregularities in allotment of sites by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) to his wife.

In a major political development, Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot is learnt to have issued a “showcause notice” to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah seeking more explanation from him on the alleged irregularities in allotment of sites by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) to his wife.

Incidentally the Governor was in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Mr. Siddaramaiah has convened a breakfast meeting with his ministerial colleagues at his residence on Thursday, ahead of a Cabinet meeting, to discuss the notice issued by the Governor, sources told The Hindu.

The MUDA had allotted 14 sites to Mr. Siddaramaiah’s wife, Parvathi, in lieu of her land “illegally” acquired by it.

A few days ago, Mr. Siddaramaiah had called on the Governor at Raj Bhavan and reportedly discussed the MUDA issue. Raj Bhavan also wrote to the Chief Secretary, seeking details about the alleged irregularities at the authority.

During the breakfast meeting, the Chief Minister is expected to discuss a strategy to counter the Governor’s possible move on sanctioning prosecution against him. A senior Minister confirmed that the Cabinet would discuss the issue and “take a firm stand”.

The State government has set up a one-man commission of inquiry under retired High Court Judge P.N. Desai to probe the alleged MUDA scam. The BJP and Janata Dal (S) had petitioned the Governor on the matter. Social activist T.J. Abraham has also complained to the Governor on the issue.