In a dramatic turn during the winter session's final day, Karnataka's Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda declared his readiness to surrender government land in Kolar district. This comes after the opposition BJP leveled serious allegations of encroachment against him.
Minister's Defiant Stand in the Assembly
Making a voluntary statement in the legislative assembly, Minister Byre Gowda expressed his frustration over the recent controversy. "We've land, and there is no issue in giving it back," he stated emphatically. He attributed the allegations to an internal conspiracy within his party, suggesting his strict adherence to rules made him unpopular with some colleagues.
"People affected by my action might be behind the allegations. However, let there be an inquiry by whichever agency, and I will accept the outcome," Gowda challenged. He appealed to Speaker UT Khader to order a comprehensive probe after consulting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and opposition leader R Ashoka, even inviting them to personally visit the site and verify records.
Unpacking the 21-Acre Land Controversy
The core of the dispute revolves around 21 acres of land in Garudanapalya village, Kolar taluk. The BJP has accused the minister of illegally occupying this land, which reportedly includes a burial ground and a lake. Dismissing these claims as "baseless," Byre Gowda provided a detailed historical account of the property's ownership.
He explained that the land was originally owned by the Mysuru royal family. His grandfather, Patel Chowdegowda, secured a 10-year lease in 1953 from the Wadiyar Trust. Before the lease expired, the Maharaja sold the land to Habibullah Khan, leading to a dispute. The matter was resolved through an out-of-court settlement, granting the land to Chowdegowda, from whom it was passed down to his heirs.
"My family has been in possession of 256 acres of land in Garudanapalya since 1953," the minister claimed, describing the village as a 'Bechanraka grama' or an uninhabited village owned by a single entity.
Clarifications on Land Classification and Tanks
Addressing specific allegations, Byre Gowda clarified the land's status. He stated the property was classified as 'bettagudda' or hill land. While a burial ground was recorded in the old survey register ('prathipustaka'), it was not mentioned in the current Record of Rights, Tenancy and Crops (RTC).
"The land consists of two tanks, which are intact. Not even an inch of tank is encroached upon," he asserted. He further explained that the lake in question lies outside his property's boundaries and was actually desilted by his family. The contentious 'kharab' land, he noted, is at a higher altitude.
The minister admitted that about 20 acres were once incorrectly classified as tank land but emphasized, "We got the entire land through an absolute sale deed, and there was no question of encroaching on govt land."
Political Firestorm and Heated Exchanges
The assembly witnessed a heated exchange over the issue. Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh came to his colleague's defense, alleging the BJP was attempting to trap Byre Gowda in a manner similar to a recent case involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah (the Muda case). This accusation added another layer of political tension to the ongoing session.
The controversy has spotlighted the often-complex issues of land records, historical ownership, and political rivalry in Karnataka. Byre Gowda's bold offer to surrender the land and submit to any inquiry sets the stage for a formal investigation, the findings of which will be keenly awaited by both the government and the opposition.
