Did K'taka Government Cut Metro Land to Favor Real Estate and Illegal Immigrants?

Bengaluru, July 19 (NationPress) Union Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje has accused the Congress-led Karnataka government of diminishing the land allocated to the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) from 46 acres to a mere 9 acres in the prime Hebbal region of Bengaluru to supposedly benefit the real estate lobby and illegal immigrants.

This area falls under the Bengaluru North Lok Sabha constituency, which MoS Karandlaje represents.

Speaking to reporters after inspecting the site intended for a multimodal transport hub, MoS Karandlaje stated, "We are situated in the Hebbal area of Bengaluru. In 2000, under the leadership of then CM late S.M. Krishna, 51 acres of land in the Hebbal-Amanikere region were acquired. After encroachments, 48 acres remain today. Just a month ago, the current government decided to transfer this land to BMRCL for developing a multimodal transport hub."

"However, the allotment has recently been slashed to just 9 acres. What prompted this change? Why did the government retract its initial decision to allocate 48 acres and now only grant 9? Who is behind this decision? Which real estate mafia is influencing this move? This land is located on the path to Bengaluru International Airport," she remarked.

Highlighting the strategic significance of the site, she added, "This is set to become a crucial junction. A Metro station, BMTC depot, Ring Road connection, and NHAI roads are all planned here. The region is perfect for a multimodal transport hub that could greatly alleviate traffic congestion on the airport road."

"Yet, the government and the responsible minister appear to have colluded to overturn the previous decision. How much money changed hands? How much was paid to Randeep Singh Surjewala? These inquiries require answers," she contended.

She also mentioned that local farmers who had relinquished their land for development are now seeking its return if it's to be handed over to private entities.

"Individuals from various states have settled here, including Bengalis and Rohingyas. Reports indicate anti-national activities. Waste and debris from across Bengaluru are dumped here. The identities of these individuals are unknown. Many claim to hail from Kolkata and possess Aadhaar cards, some of which are counterfeit, along with fake voter ID cards. They assert they've lived here for 10 to 15 years," MoS Karandlaje explained.

MoS Karandlaje highlighted that the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) had acquired 45 acres in the vicinity.

"Why hasn’t KIADB taken action? Why has the BBMP not addressed large-scale garbage dumping? The Karnataka High Court has explicitly ruled against dumping garbage in open spaces or burning it. Yet, here, wires are burned to extract copper. Why is there no outcry about this?" she questioned.

"Where is the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board? What actions have the police taken? Chief Minister Siddaramaiah claims there are no illegal immigrants in Karnataka and speaks on the matter. The CM, Deputy CM, and government officials must visit the site and assess the situation," she urged.

MoS Karandlaje further indicated she would write to the Director General and Inspector General of Police in Karnataka, as well as the Bengaluru Police Commissioner, requesting a detailed investigation into the families living in the area.

"Their documents and identities should be verified with their home states. I will also reach out to Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The NIA must probe this matter," she declared.

"How much have local police profited from collections in this settlement? A glance at the Aadhaar cards is sufficient to spot duplicates," she asserted.

"Most Aadhaar and voter ID cards are issued in West Bengal. But the pressing question is - from which country did these individuals arrive in West Bengal? We must trace their origins," she concluded.