CM’s wife returning Muda sites proof of guilt: Chowta

Mangaluru/ Ballari / Mysuru: Dakshina Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta has called for chief minister Siddaramaiah's immediate resignation, citing Muda scam as the reason. Chowta told reporters on Wednesday that the CM's alleged involvement was evident when his wife returned the sites to Muda, suggesting this was proof of guilt. Chowta criticised Siddaramaiah's claims of having a spotless 40-year political career. "His whole attire has turned out to be full of spots now," he said. The BJP, Chowta said, does not trust that a fair investigation will take place if Siddaramaiah remains in power.Chowta further said, "The BJP had been pressing for Siddaramaiah's resignation by creating public opinion and through agitation inside and outside the legislature and Parliament." He condemned the CM and other Congress functionaries for criticising the governor when prosecution sanctions were granted against Siddaramaiah, noting that the CM initially claimed innocence, but later returned the sites after legal pressure. "You have realised your mistake. Resign to protect your self-respect," he urged Siddaramaiah. Chowta dismissed claims by BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil that a BJP leader was vying for the CM's post with Rs 1,000 crore, stressing that leadership changes in the party occur democratically and the party does not use money to make or break the CM. He also downplayed concerns about meetings held by BJP dissidents, assuring that the party is monitoring the situation and will respond appropriately.Mangaluru City North MLA Y Bharath Shetty said the CM cannot escape punishment simply because his wife returned the sites involved in the scam. "A thief is not pardoned just for returning the stolen goods. Step down and face the inquiry," he asserted. Let Siddaramaiah come clean in Muda Scam, insists MuniswamyFormer BJP MP Muniswamy said Siddaramaiah should first step down from his current role to ensure an impartial investigation.During a press conference held at the BJP office on Wednesday, he remarked that Siddaramaiah's action to return the sites was driven by fear, especially with the Enforcement Directorate's involvement in the Muda case, and he sought to project an image of honesty.In connection with the Muda scam, Muniswamy called for a thorough investigation, claiming that the implicated sum surpasses Rs 5,000 crore. He appealed to Siddaramaiah, who rose to power championing the causes of Dalits and Ahinda, to honour the Constitution and step down immediately. Furthermore, he cautioned against creating rift between castes to secure votes.CM's resignation soughtBJP MLA TS Srivatsa and former MLA N Mahesh, a JD(S) leader, on Wednesday reiterated their demand for the resignation of the chief minister, citing his moral responsibility for alleged irregularities in the Muda scam.Addressing reporters, they said the case against the CM's wife, BM Parvathi, will not be closed despite her returning 14 sites she had obtained from Muda. They argued that the chief minister, his wife, and their son Yathindra, who was also a Muda member when the sites were distributed to Parvathi, are all "responsible for the irregularities."Srivatsa and Mahesh accused state urban development minister Byrathi Suresh of removing key files from the Muda office after the scam came to light. They urged the state govt to take strict action against those involved in the Muda irregularities, regardless of their political affiliations.In a separate statement to reporters, MP Yaduveer also called for the chief minister's resignation to ensure a transparent inquiry into the Muda scam.