Bengaluru: In a recent development, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s wife, Parvathi, is preparing to surrender 14 sites that were allotted to her by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA). The decision reportedly follows legal advice from senior counsel and former Union Minister, Kapil Sibal.

This move comes in light of a growing legal challenge as Siddaramaiah faces scrutiny over the MUDA case. According to sources, Sibal’s suggestion to surrender the sites was influenced by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) initiating a probe against Siddaramaiah under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The case gained further attention after Rajya Sabha member and senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi unsuccessfully contested Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot’s sanction for Siddaramaiah’s prosecution in court.

Sibal is expected to continue representing Siddaramaiah in upcoming legal battles, possibly elevating the matter to the Supreme Court. Additionally, reports indicate that Parvathi is also considering revoking a 2010 gift deed through which she acquired over three acres of land from her brother.

Despite the delay, experts believe that surrendering the sites may offer Siddaramaiah some relief from the ongoing ED investigation. Siddaramaiah had previously addressed the issue during a press conference alongside Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh, clarifying that the MUDA sites were allocated to his wife as compensation for encroached land she inherited from her brother. However, he insisted that MUDA owes him Rs. 62 crore as compensation if the sites are surrendered.

The legal developments have also sparked additional complaints, including one from former MUDA employee and RTI activist PS Nataraj, who accused MUDA of unauthorized expenditures amounting to Rs. 387 crore in Varuna and Srirangapatna constituencies, allegedly under Siddaramaiah’s directive.

In a bid to navigate these challenges, Siddaramaiah reportedly held a meeting with his legal advisors, including senior figures like AS Ponnanna and former MP VS Ugrappa, to strategize. Discussions focused on how the surrender of the sites could mitigate the impact of the PMLA case and potentially help in future court appeals.

With growing pressure, Siddaramaiah’s legal team and supporters are exploring all possible avenues to resolve the case and avoid further political damage.