Guv seeks report from govt on works undertaken on CM's verbal instructions

NT Correspondent Bengaluru: Karnataka Governor has sought a detailed report from the government in connection with Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) allegedly undertaking works worth Rs 387 crore in violation of rules, purportedly on the verbal instruction of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, in his Varuna constituency and Srirangapatna. Thaawarchand Gehlot has written to Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh citing detailed representation submitted to him by a complainant in this regard, and terming the allegation as "serious in nature."

The letter comes close on the heels of the Governor according sanction on August 16 for investigation against Siddaramaiah under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and Section 218 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 for the commission of the alleged offences as mentioned in the petitions of Pradeep Kumar S P, T J Abraham and Snehamayi Krishna, in connection with a MUDA site allotment case.

The Governor said in the letter that a person named P S Nataraj from Mysuru has submitted a detailed representation dated August 27, wherein, he has informed that the MUDA has undertaken works worth Rs 387 crore in violation of section 15 and 25 of the Karnataka Urban Development Authority Act, 1987 on the Chief Minister's oral instruction in Varuna and also in Srirangapatna constituency." The petitioner has also informed that in spite of non-availability of funds in the Authority, a decision has been taken on the oral instruction, he said, adding, "further, he alleged that by doing this the authority has misused its power and requested to conduct enquiry from CBI." "Since the allegation is serious in nature, it is directed to look into the matter and submit the detailed report along with documents at the earliest," the Governor added.

The High Court on September 12 completed its hearing on Siddaramaiah's petition challenging the legality of Governor Gehlot's approval for investigation against him in the MUDA site allotment case and reserved its orders. On August 19, Siddaramaiah moved the High Court challenging the legality of the Governor's order. Meanwhile, in a move aimed at clipping the powers of the Governor, the state Cabinet that met on Tuesday has cleared a Bill to amend the Karnataka State Rural Development & Panchayat Raj University Act that proposes to divest the Governor of the power to appoint the vice-chancellor to the Karnataka State Rural Development & Panchayat Raj University, and giving that powers to the government.

At the cabinet meeting, discussion is also said to have taken place regarding another letter by the Governor to the Chief Secretary, seeking details of all prosecution sanction requests against officials, sent by the Lokayukta to the government since May, 2023, when Congress came to power, according to official sources.