CH News
Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) is planning to convert seven BDA complexes into shopping malls, reviving a controversial deal from six years ago. Expressing strong opposition, the Aam Aadmi Party has denounced BDA’s decision to hand over these complexes, worth thousands of crores, to land mafias.
During a visit to the BDA complex in Indira Nagar, AAP’s state organizing secretary Mohan Dasari criticized the move, particularly highlighting the allocation of the Indira Nagar complex to the Embassy Group, led by KJ George, whom he labeled as one of the major land grabbers. Dasari mentionedthe need to prioritize public welfare over commercial interests, suggesting the conversion of the complex into spaces benefiting the local community.
AAP opposes the conversion of BDA complexes into shopping malls, which would only serve the interests of land grabbers, stated Dasari.
Bangalore City Organization Secretary Ashok Mrityunjaya criticized the government’s decision, asserting that such projects only cater to the affluent, neglecting the needs of the underprivileged. He warned against exacerbating traffic congestion in already congested areas like Koramangala and Indiranagar.
Local residents and businessmen around the BDA complex in Indiranagar echoed these sentiments, expressing strong disapproval of the decision. They argued that BDA complexes should cater solely to essential public services and condemned the authority’s foray into real estate ventures.
The BDA has reportedly signed a 60-year contract with developers to convert these complexes into shopping malls, with projected annual earnings exceeding Rs 40 crore. The state government approved this project last September, leasing complexes in Koramangala, HSR Layout, RT Nagar, and Sadashivnagar to M-FAR Developers, while entrusting the redevelopment of the Indira Nagar complex to the Embassy Group.
