Bengaluru: H.D. Kumaraswamy, the Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, stated unequivocally that there is no question of returning the land under the control of the HMT factory, which is owned by the Central Government, to the state government.
He warned that if the state government creates obstacles with ill intentions regarding the land, the matter would be taken to court.
Speaking at a press conference held at the HMT Bhavan in Bengaluru, Kumaraswamy said:
“No Land Was Given to HMT for Free”
The Minister rejected the statement made by the state Forest Minister, Eshwar Khandre, who had alleged that the Forest Department’s land was illegally sold to various government institutions, departments, and private entities.
Kumaraswamy suggested that the state Forest Minister should review the records if necessary, pointing out that the HMT factory, established under the guidance of the renowned engineer Sir M. Visvesvaraya during the Mysore Maharajas’ era, did not receive any land for free.
“What Will You Do With the Land After Taking It Back? Which Builder Will You Give It To?”
The Union Minister questioned the state government’s intentions, asking what they plan to do with the land if they take it back from the factory, and which builder they intend to give it to. He urged state leaders, who once promised to turn Bengaluru into Singapore, to reflect on their past actions.
Kumaraswamy added, “On one hand, you accuse the central government of not cooperating with the state, and on the other, you obstruct central ministers who are trying to do something good for the state. With the blessings of the people and God’s grace, I am a minister in the central cabinet under Narendra Modi. My concern is to do something good for the state during this opportunity,” he said.
“Cooperate With the Central Government”
He appealed, “What benefit do you gain by not cooperating with me? This is not about Kumaraswamy; the state’s progress is at stake. For that, please cooperate with me and the Central Government. Stop plundering and start working for the state’s development. Reading Minister Eshwar Khandre’s statement in the newspaper brought tears to my eyes. What do you hope to achieve by losing factories like HMT?” Kumaraswamy questioned sharply.
Expressing deep disappointment over the state Forest Minister’s statement about reclaiming forest land, the Union Minister asked, “On what basis are you planning to reclaim this land under the Forest Department? What is your hidden agenda? Do you even know the history of this factory or the records of these lands?” he asked angrily.
Kumaraswamy emphasized that there is no question of returning the land belonging to HMT under any circumstances, stating that it is purchased land. He accused the state government of misleading the public and demanded that such actions be immediately stopped.
He also mentioned that the Forest Minister should review the file related to the land transfer, clarifying that HMT was not given 599 acres of land for free. He warned that if the state government continues to harass the company, they would have to resort to legal action.
Providing details of the payments made in 1963 and 1965 for the land, Kumaraswamy described the efforts to rejuvenate the HMT company, which saw a significant rise in its share value after the revival was announced. He expressed frustration over the lack of cooperation and confusion created by the state government during this effort.
Obstacles in the Kudremukh Project
The Union Minister also highlighted the obstacles faced in the Kudremukh Iron Ore Company project and the challenges in securing financial guarantees for the Devadari Mining Project, which were initially approved during Siddaramaiah’s tenure as Chief Minister. He pointed out the inconsistency in the state government’s policies, questioning the delay and confusion they created.
He concluded by saying that he is making every effort to revive the Vishvesvaraya Iron and Steel Limited in Shivamogga and is working under the guidance of the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister to achieve this goal.
