HMT land row: Kumaraswamy targets Shivakumar over 175-acre diversion in Bengaluru
Synopsis
Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has alleged that 175 acres of prime HMT industrial land in Bengaluru were quietly diverted to private builders between 1999 and 2004 — under the watch of the man who is now Karnataka's Chief Minister. With a Supreme Court case pending and a revival package in the works, the row puts D.K. Shivakumar directly in the political crosshairs.
Key Takeaways
Kumaraswamy alleged nearly 175 acres of HMT land in Bengaluru were diverted to private parties between 1999 and 2004 .
He implicated the then Urban Development Minister in the Congress government — a role held by current CM D.K.
Shivakumar — without directly naming him.
Kumaraswamy inspected disputed sites including Aquila Heights , Prestige Kensington Gardens , and KKR AMR Rubee Apartments .
He claimed to have directed officials to prepare a comprehensive report, after which a formal investigation will be initiated.
The HMT land dispute is currently before the Supreme Court ; a Detailed Project Report for HMT's revival has already been prepared.
Many apartment owners on disputed land reportedly face difficulty obtaining khatas and e-khatas due to the unresolved legal status.
Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy on Thursday, 16 July alleged that nearly 175 acres of HMT land in Bengaluru were diverted to private hands between 1999 and 2004, implicating the then Urban Development Minister in the Congress government — a post held by current Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar at the time. Kumaraswamy made the allegations during a personal inspection of several disputed HMT land parcels, announcing he had directed officials to prepare a comprehensive irregularities report.
What Kumaraswamy Alleged
Without directly naming Shivakumar, Kumaraswamy drew a pointed parallel: 'The same individual who is aggressively pursuing the proposed Bidadi Township today played a pivotal role in allowing valuable HMT land to pass into private hands while serving as Urban Development Minister between 1999 and 2004,' he alleged. He claimed to possess maps, documents, and details of the beneficiaries of the transactions, adding, 'The people of Karnataka deserve to know who facilitated these deals and who benefited.'
Kumaraswamy visited residential complexes reportedly built on disputed HMT land, including Aquila Heights, Govianu Eritis, Prestige Kensington Gardens, and KKR AMR Rubee Apartments. He alleged collusion between former HMT officials and influential individuals, and questioned whether the Karnataka state government was willing to reclaim the encroached land.
His Own Record and the Khandre Challenge
Kumaraswamy invoked his own tenure as Chief Minister in 2006, claiming he had halted further alienation of HMT land. 'I issued clear instructions that no additional HMT land should be sold or registered. It is because of that decision that a substantial portion remains protected today,' he said. He also challenged former Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre to reclaim land occupied by high-rise buildings, while clarifying he had no objection to HMT land being allotted to national institutions such as ISRO.
Impact on Apartment Owners
Kumaraswamy highlighted the predicament of residents in disputed properties, noting that many apartment owners face difficulties obtaining khatas and e-khatas — essential documents for property rights. 'If everything was done legally, why has the State government not regularised these properties?' he asked. This comes amid broader concerns about the legal limbo facing thousands of homebuyers in Bengaluru's rapidly developed peripheral zones.
HMT Revival and Supreme Court Proceedings
The Union Minister alleged that vested interests were creating hurdles as the Centre prepared a revival package for the public sector undertaking. He confirmed that a Detailed Project Report for HMT's revival had already been prepared. The dispute over HMT land is currently pending before the Supreme Court. Kumaraswamy maintained that all stakeholders should support the revival effort rather than allow valuable industrial land to be permanently lost to private interests. Once his officials submit the comprehensive report, he said, 'appropriate action will follow, and a thorough investigation will be initiated.'
Point of View
But the credibility of any investigation will depend entirely on whether it proceeds through independent channels or remains a BJP-versus-Congress exchange. Notably, Kumaraswamy's own claim that he halted land sales in 2006 raises the question of why the matter has taken nearly two decades to reach this level of political urgency. With the Supreme Court already seized of the dispute and a Union Government revival package in the pipeline, the real risk is that political point-scoring delays both judicial resolution and the HMT revival that workers and the public sector genuinely need.
NationPress
16 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HMT land row in Bengaluru about?
The dispute centres on allegations that nearly 175 acres of land belonging to public sector undertaking HMT in Bengaluru were diverted to private builders between 1999 and 2004. Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has alleged that the diversion occurred under the watch of the then Urban Development Minister in the Congress government, a post held by current Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
What action has Kumaraswamy announced?
Kumaraswamy has directed officials to prepare a comprehensive report on the alleged irregularities. He stated that once the report is received, a formal investigation will be initiated and appropriate action taken.
Which residential projects are on disputed HMT land?
Kumaraswamy visited and flagged several complexes reportedly built on disputed HMT land, including Aquila Heights, Govianu Eritis, Prestige Kensington Gardens, and KKR AMR Rubee Apartments in Bengaluru.
How does the dispute affect apartment owners?
Residents in disputed HMT land properties reportedly face difficulty obtaining khatas and e-khatas — essential property ownership documents. Kumaraswamy questioned why the state government has not regularised these properties if the original transactions were legal.
What is the current legal status of the HMT land dispute?
The dispute is pending before the Supreme Court. Separately, the Union Government has already prepared a Detailed Project Report for HMT's revival, and Kumaraswamy has urged all stakeholders to support the effort rather than allow industrial land to be permanently lost to private interests.
