Debate on acquisition of land for SEZs and townships around Bangalore City, witnessed allegations and counter-allegations between treasury and opposition benches in the legislative council on Tuesday.

While the Congress leaders alleged that the coalition government is engaged in acquiring huge tract of farm land recklessly, members in the treasury benches countered the allegations by similar remarks on the Congress party.

JD(S) member YSV Datta, reacting to Congress member V S Ugrappa’s allegations made on Monday, said that the coalition government has not acquired even an acre of land. However, it was during the Congress rule that large extent of farm land had been acquired despite opposition from the farming community. He challenged the Congress members to show at least one gazette notification on acquisition of land to prove their allegations.

Leader of the Opposition H K Patil said that he had all valid documents to prove that the coalition government has begun the process of acquiring more than 1.19 lakh acres of land in the last 18 months. He also tabled records, which he called as copies of draft notifications regarding acquisition of land.

Referring to a Karnataka State High Court judgement with respect to a petition, Mr Patil said that the court has remarked that that the minister for Industries and secretary of Industries department were engaged in maladministration and acted with ulterior motive while acquiring land.

De-notification: Mr Patil also alleged that the coalition government has de-notified 684 acres and 36 guntas, acquired for various projects in the year 2006-07.