Union Minister Kumaraswamy and Karnataka Clash Over HMT Land

H.D. Kumaraswamy, the Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, has accused the Karnataka state government of conspiring to sabotage a central government revival package for Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT). The conflict began after the Bengaluru Urban Deputy Conservator of Forests ordered HMT to surrender 430 acres of land within 30 days, claiming the property constitutes forest land.

Kumaraswamy asserted that the order is unlawful and interferes with ongoing judicial proceedings. He alleged the state government is using misinformation and a retired officer to facilitate a real estate racket, arguing that such speculation spoils the future of the younger generation. He reaffirmed that the central government remains committed to reviving the enterprise under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In response, Karnataka Minister Eshwar Khandre rejected these allegations, stating that HMT illegally encroached on non-diversified forest land. Khandre claimed that HMT sold 165 acres to real estate firms for 300 crore rupees. He announced that the state government intends to establish a 444-acre biodiversity park on the land to serve as a green lung for Bengaluru. To address the dispute, the state has suspended officials who sought unauthorized de-notification of the forest land and is moving to withdraw their application from the Supreme Court.