Bengaluru: ‘Naija Horatagaarara Vedike’ has urged Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to reassign the Urban Development portfolio held by Minister Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah, citing the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land allotment case.
In a letter by H.M. Venkatesh addressed to the Chief Minister, the Forum said, Dr. Yathindra’s continuation in the portfolio could raise concerns over a potential conflict of interest.
The letter noted that cases relating to the irregular allotment of alternative sites by the erstwhile MUDA are pending before the Lokayukta Police, the Special Court for Elected Representatives and the High Court.
It also pointed out that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is conducting proceedings in connection with the case.
The Forum said, Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah’s father, former CM Siddaramaiah and his mother, B.M. Parvathi, are accused in the case.
It argued that, while the matter is pending before various Courts, Dr. Yathindra should not continue to oversee the Urban Development Department, as it is a conflict of interest.
‘I am not involved’
Urban Development Minister Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah has rejected demands for his portfolio to be reassigned, saying he has no connection to the MUDA site case.
“The Lokayukta investigated the matter and filed a ‘B report,’ which was accepted by the Special Court for Elected Representatives. With the investigation completed, how can I interfere in the case and why should my portfolio be changed?” he said.
