Bengaluru, October 26, 2025 – A fresh political showdown erupted in Karnataka on Sunday as Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar sharply rebuked Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy for branding the state government's Bengaluru Khata conversion initiative as an "extortion scheme." The exchange underscores escalating tensions between the Congress-led state administration and the JD(S)-BJP alliance, with accusations flying over the scheme's intent and implementation.
The controversy stems from the Karnataka government's ambitious 100-day drive to convert 'B-Khata' properties—often informal or revenue records for unauthorized constructions—into formal 'A-Khata' status, enabling better access to civic amenities and loans. Launched earlier this month, the program has processed thousands of applications but drawn flak for its associated fees, which critics claim border on exploitation.
Kumaraswamy, speaking to reporters in Mandya on October 25, lambasted the initiative as "bogus" and a ploy for "daylight robbery." He alleged the Congress regime is set to "loot" up to ₹15,000 crore through hidden charges, urging property owners not to pay a dime. "For a standard 30x40 plot, they are charging between ₹4 lakh to ₹8 lakh. This is mega extortion under the guise of regularization—don't fall for it," the former Chief Minister thundered, labeling it a "Diwali loot" timed to squeeze citizens during the festive season.
In a fiery rebuttal during a public address in Bengaluru's Basavanagudi constituency, Shivakumar dismissed Kumaraswamy's barbs as the rantings of an "uneducated" politician out of touch with ground realities. "Kumaraswamy calls it extortion? He's the one who's not educated enough to understand development. This scheme is about bringing millions into the tax net fairly, not robbing anyone," Shivakumar retorted, emphasizing that the ₹500 application fee is nominal and covers administrative costs only. He accused the JD(S) leader of hypocrisy, recalling past irregularities under Kumaraswamy's own tenures that allegedly favored cronies.
The slugfest, which has now spilled into social media and party forums, highlights deeper rifts over Bengaluru's urban governance. Supporters of the scheme, including civic activists, hail it as a long-overdue reform to regularize over 1.5 lakh properties, potentially generating ₹2,000 crore in revenue for infrastructure upgrades like roads and drainage. However, opposition voices, including BJP legislators, echo Kumaraswamy's concerns, warning of "backdoor bribes" and demanding a fee waiver for low-income holders.
Revenue Minister Krishna Byregowda defended the program in a press briefing, clarifying that betterment charges—pegged at 10-20% of property value—are standard under the Karnataka Municipal Corporations Act and apply uniformly. "We've waived penalties for past violations to ease the burden. This isn't extortion; it's equity," Byregowda said, revealing that over 50,000 conversions have been approved fee-free so far.
As the drive enters its third week, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has extended deadlines to accommodate festive disruptions, with online portals crashing under application surges. Political analysts view the spat as preemptive posturing ahead of local body polls, where urban voter turnout on development issues could sway outcomes.
Kumaraswamy's camp has vowed to approach the Governor for an inquiry, while Shivakumar hinted at counter-allegations against central fund delays for Karnataka. With the Winter Session of the Legislature looming in December, this Khata clash may dominate debates, testing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's balancing act in a polarized political landscape.
For Bengaluru's beleaguered homeowners, caught between regularization dreams and fee fears, the rhetoric offers little relief—only a reminder that in Karnataka's corridors of power, every policy is fair game for a political slugfest.
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