Kumaraswamy alleges illegal land acquisition by Shivakumar near Bengaluru

H.D. Kumaraswamy leveled the charges against the senior Congress leader during ongoing political tensions in Karnataka, claiming that Shivakumar and his relatives had acquired multiple land parcels around Bengaluru that fall within zones notified for development under the BMIC project.

The allegations add another dimension to the rivalry between the JDS leader and the Congress minister, both influential figures in Karnataka politics. Kumaraswamy's accusations suggest potential irregularities in land transactions within areas earmarked for industrial and infrastructure development around the state capital.

The BMIC project, a major initiative aimed at developing industrial corridors around Bengaluru, has designated specific zones for controlled development. Land acquisitions within these notified areas are subject to regulatory oversight, and any unauthorized purchases could constitute violations of land acquisition and industrial corridor development rules.

The claims come amid the broader political dynamics in the state, where questions regarding asset accumulation among political figures have periodically surfaced. Shivakumar's office has not immediately responded to the allegations.

The charges are likely to intensify scrutiny on land transactions in the periphery of Karnataka's capital, where real estate values have escalated significantly in recent years amid rapid urbanization and infrastructure development.