Karnataka Political Clash Escalates Over HMT Land Transfers

A heated political standoff has erupted in Karnataka over the stewardship of HMT land, with the Congress party accusing the BJP of facilitating massive property transfers during its previous administration. The dispute centers on 208.35 acres reportedly transferred in 2017 and the contested status of an additional 443 acres of forest land.

Editorial·July 18, 2026·reads: 608

Karnataka Political Clash Escalates Over HMT Land Transfers

Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, who oversees the public sector undertaking, has flatly denied these allegations. He dismissed the claims of illegal land diversion as a politically motivated attempt to undermine his efforts to revive the struggling company. According to Kumaraswamy, the land in question remains legally owned by HMT, and he rejected assertions that the acreage holds protected forest status.

Kumaraswamy is currently coordinating with NITI Aayog to craft a recovery plan for the PSU. He maintains that his focus remains on gathering empirical data from various facilities to steer the company toward resurgence, rather than engaging in the escalating rhetoric surrounding land management.