Bengaluru, Karnataka – In a recent statement, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has leveled serious accusations against former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy and his family, alleging that they have engaged in unethical real estate practices. During a press interaction at the National Public School in Horamavu, Shivakumar claimed that Kumaraswamy's brother has exploited the PRR (Peripheral Ring Road) project as a guise to operate a real estate racket. According to Shivakumar, this political family has leveraged their influence to amass significant wealth through dubious land transactions.
Shivakumar detailed how Kumaraswamy's brother allegedly intimidated local residents to acquire properties along the PRR stretch at undervalued prices. He stated, "Ask people in the Dodda Gubbi and Chikka Gubbi areas. They will tell you how he intimidated people and got all those properties registered for just 7, 8, or 10 lakhs. Now all those properties are worth 25, 30, or even 50 crore rupees." This stark contrast in property values underscores the potential for manipulation within the real estate market, raising concerns about ethical practices among influential political families in the region.
The Deputy Chief Minister also responded to Kumaraswamy's recent comments urging citizens not to pay fees for khata transfers, asserting that such statements are indicative of a political leader out of touch with reality. Shivakumar firmly stated, "That is his daydream. His government is not coming to power. The Congress government is in power and is doing people-friendly work. People are benefiting from it." His remarks highlight a broader political discourse in Karnataka, where the ruling government is focusing on administrative reforms and public welfare, contrasting sharply with the accusations levied against the opposition.
Furthermore, Shivakumar took the opportunity to defend his government's record, claiming substantial progress in addressing public needs, including improvements in municipal governance and property record corrections. He remarked, "I have done that work. People's property records are being corrected. We have created five municipal corporations for administrative reform in Bengaluru city." This emphasis on governance and accountability serves to position the Congress-led administration as proactive and responsive to the needs of its constituents, in stark contrast to the allegations directed at Kumaraswamy's family. As political tensions rise in Karnataka, the implications of these accusations could significantly impact public perception and the dynamics of upcoming elections.