H.K. Patil
| Photo Credit: file photo

Amid allegations of “political vendetta” and a walkout by the Opposition members, the Legislative Council on Monday passed the Bangalore Palace (Utilisation and Regulation of Land) Bill, 2025.

The Bill — that is expected to help the State government address the contempt petition it faces in the Supreme Court, besides retaining the right to acquire or not the palace land for road widening — was moved to replace the Ordinance that had been promulgated earlier.

Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil, who tabled the Bill in the Council, said it gave power to the State to acquire or not acquire the palace land. 

“The Bangalore Palace covers a total area of ​​472 acres and 16 guntas and its total value was determined at ₹11 crore in 1996. However, the land issue is in the Supreme Court. Now, 14 acres of it is being used for road widening. However, the Supreme Court has ordered ₹3,000 crore Transferable Development Rights to be given to the Mysore Maharaja’s family. However, the value of the land is not that much. It is not possible to give such a huge amount,” the Minister said.

‘Political vendetta’

Terming the move of the government as a “political vendetta”, Leader of the Opposition Chalavadi Narayanaswamy said the contribution of the Mysore royal family to this country was great. “They have served in all fields including irrigation, dam projects, electricity, and industry. This is nothing but political vendetta. The government should first hold talks with the royal family,” he said.

BJP member A. H. Vishwanath said, “people are talking that whenever Siddaramaiah comes to power, he creates confusion and mistrust among people regarding the erstwhile royal family.“

He demanded that the government show some concern towards the royal family that had lost everything.

However, the ruling party defended its stand and alleged that the Opposition was poltiicisng the issue. The Bill was passed through a voice vote even as the Opposition members shouted slogans and walked out of the House.