Intro
Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar launched a sharp attack on H. D. Kumaraswamy, accusing his family of acquiring large-scale properties through real estate dealings and intimidating landowners during previous administrations.
CH NEWS
Bengaluru
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar strongly countered allegations and criticism made by JD(S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy, claiming that Kumaraswamy’s family itself amassed vast properties through real estate transactions linked to the Peripheral Ring Road (PRR) project.
Shivakumar dismissed Kumaraswamy’s claims that the JD(S) would independently return to power in Karnataka, describing such statements as “daydreaming.”
Shivakumar questioned Kumaraswamy’s opposition to projects such as the proposed Bidadi Township and alleged that the former chief minister himself had initiated several real estate-related notifications during his tenure.
“Who started the Bidadi Township proposal? He himself issued the notification. His family has done real estate business using the PRR road issue,” Shivakumar alleged.
The Deputy Chief Minister further claimed that landowners in areas such as Dodda Gubbi and Chikka Gubbi were pressured into registering properties at low prices during earlier years. According to him, lands purchased for a few lakhs are now worth several crores due to rapid urban expansion in Bengaluru.
He also rejected criticism over the Congress government’s policies regarding property account conversion fees, asserting that the current administration is working for the welfare of ordinary citizens and improving governance in Bengaluru.
“The Congress government has come to power and is working for the people. Citizens are benefiting from our programmes,” he said.
Shivakumar accused opposition parties of focusing solely on criticism instead of addressing issues such as rising fuel and cooking gas prices. He questioned whether previous governments had taken adequate measures to support poor families or improve drinking water infrastructure in the city.
Highlighting initiatives undertaken by the Congress government, Shivakumar said steps were being taken to correct property records and strengthen civic administration through the formation of five corporations for Bengaluru city governance.
He also claimed that even some BJP leaders privately appreciated the developmental work being carried out by the state government, adding that criticism against him stemmed from political jealousy.
Responding to remarks by former Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda regarding power-sharing discussions, Shivakumar said those making such comments should first reflect on political decisions taken within their own family before criticising others.
