JDS files complaint against Yeddyurappa before Lokayukta

"We have filed a 580-page complaint before Lokayukta with specific allegations against the chief minister for denotifying valuable government land to favour members of his family, including his sons B Y Raghavendra and B Y Vijay Kumar, son-in-law Sohan Lal and some others," JDS spokesperson Y S V Dutta told reporters.

The complaint pertains to 180 acres denotified in 78 cases, with the total value of the scam running to Rs 5,000 crore, "the biggest ever scam in the state", with allegations of abuse of power, corruption, nepotism and loss to the government exchequer against Yeddyurappa", he said.

Since the Lokayukta does not have suo moto powers, an affidavit has also been filed before the Lokyukta, JDS leader M C Nanaiah said. The complaint includes various orders passed by Yeddyurappa in connection with land denotification and also the notings of the bureaucrats, he said.

Coming down heavily on Yeddyurappa for denotifying land for "considerations other than lawful, which are extraneous", Nanaiah charged that the denotification had been done ignoring opinions of the bureaucrats, defying orders of Supreme Court and High Court to help family members and three firms.

Terming it as a "terrible scam", Nanaiah said they have requested the Lokayukta to look into the entire file and take whatever action it deems necessary. The main purpose of the complaint, he said, is to send a message to the people that such corruption shall not take place in Karnataka, he said.

To a query on Yeddyurappa's assertion that he would complete his term, Nanaiah retorted, "I think he has realised his mistake and therefore offered puja to Lord Nanjundeshwara in Nanjangud (Mysore) district to seek pardon for his mistakes. But if he is emboldened by this and wants to remain in power, then God only should help him."

Dutta said they would submit another document to Lokayukta pertaining to two more land scams in a day or two.