Hebbal land for pvt builders: BJP smells ‘land scam’

File photo of Leader of Opposition R Ashoka

Credit: DH Photo

Bengaluru: The BJP on Wednesday launched an online attack on the Congress-led government for planning to transfer 45 acres of prime land in Hebbal to private builders, claiming the move has derailed crucial infrastructure work and amounts to a “massive land scam”. 

However, the saffron party is yet to raise the issue during the ongoing legislature session. 

‘Daylight robbery’

Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R Ashoka accused the government of “daylight robbery,” claiming the land — originally intended for a metro depot — was handed over to real estate developers at throwaway
prices. 

“Congress Sarkara = Builder Sarkara,” he wrote X. “Instead of using the 45 acres for a Metro depot that could have improved frequency and reduced costs for lakhs of commuters, the government chose to benefit defaulting private
firms.” 

Bangalore Central MP PC Mohan echoed him, alleging that the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) was transferring 37 of the 45 acres at a rate of Rs 12.10 crore per acre, far below the market value of Rs 60 crore per acre. 

“This is daylight robbery,” he noted. “We demand a thorough review. By denying land for a multimodal metro hub and gifting it to private profiteers, the government has crippled connectivity, worsened congestion, and compromised the city’s long-term
growth.” 

Both leaders referred to the deal as the #HebbalLandScam, demanding a full investigation and accusing the state government of prioritising the interests of the “real estate mafia” over public welfare. 

“The BJP will expose this loot of public land and fight to ensure Bengaluru is not sold off for political kickbacks,” Ashoka added. 

The Congress government is yet to formally respond to the allegations.