Karnataka BJP Decries State's Ordinance on Mysuru Royal Family Property as Vindictive Politics
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Synopsis
The Karnataka BJP has condemned the state's move to issue an ordinance to take over the Mysuru royal family's property, describing it as vindictive politics. Opposition leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy criticized the government's motives, while Chief Minister Siddaramaiah defended the decision as necessary for public interest and development.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka BJP criticizes state government for taking action against Mysuru royal family's property.
- Leader of Opposition questions motives behind the ordinance.
- Chief Minister claims the move is for public development, not revenge.
- Valuation of the property has dramatically increased since 1996.
- Maharani Pramoda Devi Wadiyar vows to fight any injustice legally.
Bengaluru, Jan 25 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP expressed strong disapproval on Saturday regarding the state government's decision to issue an ordinance aimed at seizing the properties belonging to the Mysuru royal family, labeling this action as the pinnacle of vindictive politics.
Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, remarked that the government appears to be targeting the Chamundeshwari Hills and associated properties, including the Bengaluru Palace.
“If Yaduveer were a Congress MP, would they have gone after his properties? Is this not a case of politics driven by revenge?” Narayanaswamy questioned during a media interaction.
He further condemned the government's approach, questioning, “Was it truly necessary to issue an ordinance for this? In upscale areas like Sadashivanagar in Bengaluru, land values soar to Rs 1 lakh per square foot. Whose properties are being targeted in this case? This is clearly vindictive politics at its finest.”
In response, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clarified that the decision to enact an ordinance to take over the valuable Bengaluru Palace Grounds owned by the Mysuru royal family is not motivated by animosity.
While addressing reporters in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah stated: “Our actions are not rooted in revenge. There exists a law, and we faced an obstacle in development. This decision is made in the interest of the public, not out of hostility.”
He elaborated that the 15-acre property is valued at Rs 3,014 crore, translating to over Rs 200 crore per acre.
“Where else in Bengaluru can such prices be seen? What will this mean for the community? We are focused on road expansion without straining the government financially. The core issue is still pending in court. The High Court has ruled in our favor, and now they have moved to the Supreme Court,” he added.
Siddaramaiah recalled that in 1996, the government had set a price of Rs 11 crore for the acquisition of 472 acres of Bengaluru Palace Grounds, valuing the land at Rs 2.30 lakh per acre.
“However, the royal family legally contested this decision. Presently, the market price per acre has skyrocketed to Rs 200 crore,” he noted.
According to Siddaramaiah, should the government acquire 15.36 acres from the Bengaluru Palace Grounds, it would need to disburse Rs 200 crore per acre.
“Considering this, we have chosen to pursue the acquisition of the land via an ordinance,” he affirmed.
Sources indicated that Siddaramaiah has accelerated the government's legal efforts in the Supreme Court to secure the Bengaluru Palace and adjacent areas following the royal family scion, Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar's candidacy for the Mysuru-Kodagu Lok Sabha elections as the BJP representative.
Mysuru is Siddaramaiah's hometown, and he faced a setback as Yaduveer achieved a significant victory over the Congress candidate M. Laxman, a close associate of Siddaramaiah.
In 2015, Siddaramaiah announced that his administration would hasten legal proceedings to acquire the Palace Grounds.
On Friday, the Karnataka government revealed its intention to issue an ordinance to manage and utilize 15.36 acres of the Bengaluru Palace Grounds. H.K. Patil, the Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs, made the declaration at the Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru following a special cabinet meeting. The land is earmarked for road widening.
Responding to the situation, Mysuru’s Maharani Pramoda Devi Wadiyar stated that if they face any injustice regarding the Bengaluru Palace matter, they will certainly engage in a legal battle.
She affirmed: “If we encounter any unfair treatment concerning the Bengaluru Palace land dispute, we will undoubtedly pursue legal action. There is no question about it. My husband previously fought for this cause, and we will continue that fight.”
Pramoda Devi Wadiyar expressed her concerns regarding the government’s circular about the Bengaluru Palace Road TDR (Transfer of Development Rights) issue.
She said: “I have reviewed the Cabinet's decision. We also hold the 1996 acquisition and stay order. The Supreme Court has also provided remarks concerning the Bengaluru Palace land. Everything that has transpired thus far has adhered to the directives of the Karnataka government. Nothing has occurred without their knowledge.”
She further added that the government claims there is no stay, yet a stay does exist, and ownership remains with them.
“We continue to be the legitimate owners of the Bengaluru Palace land. Had we received the TDR sooner, the prices would not have escalated to such levels. We will pursue this battle through legal channels,” Pramoda Devi concluded.
