Heated Land Dispute: Kumaraswamy vs. Khandre

Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy criticized Karnataka Minister Eshwar Khandre for ordering the recovery of 281 acres from Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT) Limited, claiming it was forest land. Kumaraswamy argued this move hampers efforts to revive HMT, which once dominated the watch market. He questioned Khandre's long silence on the matter and the legitimacy of the recovery order.

In a high-stakes confrontation, Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries H D Kumaraswamy lashed out at Karnataka Minister Eshwar Khandre over an administrative directive to reclaim 281 acres from Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT) Limited, alleging it was forest land.

Kumaraswamy urged Khandre to abandon what he termed as 'pettiness' and collaborate in reviving HMT, which was once a market leader. "Doesn't the pitiable condition of this PSU bring tears to your eyes? Don't you take pride in Karnataka?" the Union Minister questioned.

Referencing a Supreme Court ruling, Khandre instructed steps to recover the land, igniting a row over its historical ownership. Kumaraswamy rebutted, highlighting that HMT legally acquired the land in the late 1950s and 1960s, and questioned Khandre's sudden interest after decades of silence. The dispute adds tension to ongoing efforts to revive several public sector undertakings.

(With inputs from agencies.)