‘Kanakapura to be part of Bengaluru’: Karnataka DyCM Shivakumar’s claim stirs row

Speaking at an event held ahead of the renovation of a temple at Shivanahalli near Kanakapura, Shivakumar, who holds the Bengaluru Development portfolio, requested the people of Shivanahalli to not sell land to people from Bengaluru.

“I can’t put money in your pockets nor give a house to everyone. But the almighty has granted me the power to grow your wealth ten-fold. I have done that. You can’t give anything to your kids (and) grandkids, except good education and your wealth. You are not of Ramanagara district. You are of Bengaluru district. Keep that in mind,” he said.

Shivakumar added, “We are all part of Bengaluru district. This will all be a part of Bengaluru. Every piece of land will be sold at cost per foot. So, don’t sell the land. I pray to god that every family here becomes wealthy. I will do whatever I can.”

Kanakapura, which is represented by Shivakumar, is located around 45 km from the outskirts of Bengaluru. It was earlier a part of Bengaluru Rural district, before the government carved out Ramanagara district in 2007 with four taluks, including Kanakapura.

The announcement came under fire from former CM H D Kumaraswamy. The JD(S) leader who represents Channapatna constituency, Ramanagara district, insisted that Kanakapura should remain a part of the district.

By proposing to include Kanakapura under Bengaluru Urban district, Kumaraswamy alleged that it was a conspiracy to increase the value of several properties Shivakumar owned in and around Kanakapura.

“Who has properties in and around Kanakapura? How many of them are benamis? How many lands were occupied illegally? Is this a drama to regularise all these properties?” Kumaraswamy asked. This, he said, was to boost Shivakumar’s income from the real-estate sector.