Union Minister Slams Congress Over Alleged Real Estate Push, Seeks Farmers’ Compensation and Strategic Infrastructure Use
Bengaluru: Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje has stirred controversy with sharp allegations against the Congress-led Karnataka government, questioning its land allocation priorities in Hebbal and demanding a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into alleged illegal Rohingya settlements in the area.
Addressing reporters on Saturday after visiting the disputed 55-acre tract of land near the Hebbal flyover along with senior BJP leaders, Karandlaje accused the government of ignoring public infrastructure needs and succumbing to real estate interests.
“For whom is this government working? Is it for real estate players or someone who arrived with a suitcase?” she asked pointedly.
Demand for Multi-Mode Transport Hub
Karandlaje demanded that the full 48 acres of land, currently lying unused and reportedly owned by KIADB, be allocated for the establishment of a multi-mode transport hub, including facilities for metro, BMTC, suburban rail, circular rail, and airport-related services.
“Every day, nearly 1.5 lakh vehicles travel to the airport via Hebbal. A major metro station, BMTC depot, and an office for airport services like boarding passes and immigration are urgently needed here to reduce pressure on Devanahalli Road,” she said.
She emphasised that suburban and circular railway infrastructure would be impossible without sufficient land and noted that Hebbal offers strategic potential to integrate these services.
Government Backtracking on Land Promise?
Karandlaje alleged inconsistency in government decisions, claiming that while the Congress government had earlier promised 45 acres for the multi-mode project on May 1, only 9 acres have now been allocated to BMRCL.
“Why has this changed within just a month? Is there any deal involved? Farmers’ land is being left to rot while the public interest is being sidelined,” she stated.
She said the land was originally acquired during S.M. Krishna’s tenure at the Global Investors Meet for cultural purposes and tourism development. Some parcels have already been allotted to Lakshmi Tourism, the metro, and for road expansion, while the rest remains unutilised.
Call for NIA Investigation into Rohingya Presence
In a serious allegation, Karandlaje said the unutilised land is now being occupied by illegal settlers, including Rohingyas and people with criminal backgrounds.
“This is a matter of national security. People who commit treason are staying here. The NIA must investigate the presence of such individuals on land meant for development,” she demanded.
Land Compensation for Farmers Also Demanded
Karandlaje further insisted that the farmers who gave up their land must be compensated at the current market rate, claiming that no compensation has been paid since the final land acquisition notification in 2004. The land is currently under KIADB ownership, she said.
Leaders Present at the Visit
Joining her during the inspection were BJP State Secretary H.C. Tammesh Gowda, Bangalore North District President S. Harish, and several other BJP leaders, all of whom echoed her call for transparency, infrastructure prioritisation, and farmer justice.
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