Bengaluru, Feb 19 (NationPress) Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, has claimed that the ruling Karnataka government, led by Congress, is attempting to target him due to allegations of encroaching on 14 acres of government land.

While addressing the media in Bengaluru, Kumaraswamy alleged that the state government was intentionally surveying the disputed Ketaganahalli land to frame him. “I am ready to confront any investigation. I possess all the documents to substantiate that the land is rightfully mine,” he stated.

He further asserted, “I acquired the Ketaganahalli land 40 years ago. The property has undergone more than 10 surveys and multiple investigations, all of which have cleared me of any wrongdoing. I am willing to cooperate with any inquiry, but certain local Congress leaders are attempting to escalate this issue.”

“There should be no doubt — I am being targeted. How long will they continue to investigate me?” he questioned.

Regarding the ongoing inquiry, Kumaraswamy mentioned, “The investigation into my property concluded on Tuesday. Let them release the report — I have nothing to fear. They are making an issue out of land purchased four decades ago.”

“I am aware of the numerous meetings Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has conducted concerning this matter, and I know who participated. He has established a five-member Special Investigation Team (SIT). Initially, it was a police-led SIT, but now it consists of IAS officers. I have nothing to conceal and welcome any investigation. Unlike Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, I have never taken government land through fraudulent means. He is in power and can influence matters,” Kumaraswamy alleged.

“They have not probed this matter for 40 years, so why has the complainant suddenly emerged now? In 1986-87, political figures C.M. Ningappa and Ramachandra raised this issue with the Chief Minister, Prime Minister, and Union Home Minister,” Kumaraswamy remarked.

“They claimed in their complaint that the land was purchased illegally, but they did not state that it was encroached upon or acquired fraudulently. I possess all the necessary documentation. The fact remains that the High Court has not issued any notice to me or requested clarification,” he added.

Commenting on the survey of his property, Kumaraswamy stated, “I learned that authorities planned to conduct a survey without prior notice. I informed the Principal Secretary and Deputy Commissioner that this was not government land — it is a property I legally purchased. How can the authorities encroach?”

“They initially delayed the survey for a day, but returned with a notice, and I instructed them to proceed. I have not engaged in any unlawful activity regarding this property,” he maintained.

“There is a history of politicians in this state engaging in dubious activities. We are aware of how constitutional institutions can be misused and how government lands are usurped. I have documentary evidence. However, under the current government, this issue is unlikely to reach a logical conclusion,” he expressed.

“Since 2012, certain individuals have been investigating this matter. Despite 12 to 13 years of inquiries by various agencies and SITs, they have failed to uncover any misconduct. This is merely a political spectacle. Is this how a state should operate? Time will disclose the truth,” he concluded.

Revenue department officials on Monday conducted a survey of Union Minister Kumaraswamy’s farmland at Ketaganahalli in Bidadi of Ramanagara district, near Bengaluru, following directives from the Karnataka High Court regarding allegations of encroachment of government land.

Social activists had reported that 14 acres of government land had been encroached upon by Kumaraswamy. The High Court had instructed the revenue department to compile a report, while the government established a SIT to investigate the situation.