Karnataka Government Clears Controversial JSW Steel Land Deal Amid Allegations

Karnataka's Minister for Large and Medium Industries, M B Patil, confirmed that the state government has approved the sale deed of 3,666 acres of land to JSW Steel, asserting that no irregularity is involved. The decision follows a High Court directive and has faced multiple allegations and controversies over the years.

Karnataka's Minister for Large and Medium Industries, M B Patil, on Sunday defended the state government's decision to finalize the sale deed of 3,666 acres of land in Ballari district to JSW Steel, asserting that the process was free of irregularities.

The Cabinet's decision follows a High Court directive issued on March 12, 2024, which endorsed an earlier order from May 6, 2021, during the governance of B S Yediyurappa's BJP administration.

M B Patil dismissed allegations by Aravind Bellad, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, about an 'internal agreement,' calling them baseless. He cited the state's need to maintain investor confidence and underscored the economic benefits brought by JSW Steel, which has invested Rs 90,000 crore and created 50,000 jobs in Karnataka.

(With inputs from agencies.)