Bangalore: Arvind Bellad, the leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, has launched a severe critique of the Congress Government, labeling it as the most corrupt administration in Karnataka's recent history. His comments come amid a series of scandals that have plagued the Congress government, with Bellad asserting that the current controversies are just the beginning.
The latest scandal involves Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who is accused of selling valuable state land to Jindal Steel Works (JSW) at a significantly reduced price. The land, a 3,666-acre plot in Sandur, Bellary district, was reportedly sold to JSW for Rs 1.2 lakh per acre, a price Bellad denounces as “scandalously low.” He criticized Siddaramaiah for what he described as treating state property like personal assets and accused the government of engaging in a dubious internal agreement to facilitate the sale.
Bellad suggested that the CM MUDA scandal, which had already put Siddaramaiah under considerable pressure, could now be compounded by this latest controversy. He speculated that the land deal might be politically motivated, potentially aimed at securing Siddaramaiah’s position as Chief Minister once more. Bellad has vowed to challenge the deal both legally and publicly.
The complex history of the land deal traces back to when the central government initially earmarked the land for a steel company. When the factory closed, the land reverted to the state. Under the previous Yeddyurappa government, the sale to JSW was proposed but met with significant opposition and legal challenges, leading to its postponement. Despite earlier court rulings and public opposition, the current Congress government proceeded with the sale.
Adding to the controversy, 954 acres of the land, which belonged to Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL), were included in the sale to JSW. Bellad questioned the legality of this inclusion and hinted at possible internal agreements between Congress leaders and JSW.
The opposition’s criticism is further fueled by allegations from pro-people organizations and the CPM. They claim that farmers who contributed land to the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) in the early 1970s received inadequate compensation and job opportunities. The CPM argues that the government is losing Rs 10,950 crore in revenue by selling the land at such a low price, despite the market value of the land being much higher.
The land in question, located in Kurekuppa, Torangallu, Yarrabanahalli, and Musenayakana villages, was originally acquired at Rs 900 per acre. It is now being sold for Rs 1.25 lakh to Rs 1.50 lakh per acre, while the market value ranges from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1.25 crore per acre. The Jana Sangram Parishad has demanded that the land remain on a lease basis and called for a transparent land audit.
In 2019, the organization led a march demanding a land audit, highlighting concerns about the amount of land allocated to JSW compared to its production capacity and job creation. There are also allegations of the company encroaching on government land.
JSW, which began operations in Torangal in 1994, has expanded into various sectors, including steel production, power generation, cement, paint, and asphalt manufacturing. The ongoing scandals, particularly the land deal with JSW, have intensified political tensions in Karnataka. As Arvind Bellad and the opposition prepare for a legal and political battle, the future of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s administration remains uncertain.
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