The former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) president, H.D. Deve Gowda, on Monday urged Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa to immediately scrap the “land bank” scheme as it was nothing but “to dupe the people” and take over their land under the guise of providing it for new industries.
Talking to journalists here, Mr. Gowda said the policy was “highly improper, unlawful and strongly objectionable” as more than 1.71 acres of land in 26 districts of the State had been notified under this amid the protests of farmers and landowners. However, he made it clear that he was not against opening of new industries. Instead, they could decide on land requirement and acquire them by paying the market value after doing a case-by-case study.
Mr. Gowda said he would fight the policy tooth and nail until it was withdrawn, adding this was nothing but encouraging real estate business.
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Mr. Gowda claimed that even forest land was being acquired in the name of mineral extraction by the BJP government in Karnataka.
“The government should ensure justice to farmers before they lose patience. If farmers fight back, then the government will collapse within no time,” Mr. Gowda said.