The Opposition in Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has lashed out at ruling Congress and JD(S) combine, after the richest municipal body of Karnataka failed to defend its case in the high court. The case is regarding prime land that now has landed in the hands of Shanthinagar MLA NA Haris’ group Nalapad.

Opposition Party Leader (BJP) Padmanabha Reddy said the issue about prime land Survey No 18 a pond as per BBMP and revenue department was fabricated and the matter has been discussed in media circles for the last six years.

“As the matter went to court, the BBMP's legal cell was tasked to defend its property by furnishing documents, however, they failed and as a result, the court has given its verdict in favour of Nalapad group”. Reddy stated.

"The land in survey No. 18 is a pond. All the documents to this land are fabricated and this has been highlighted in the media since 2013. The case was pending in the Karnataka high court. Due to the BBMP ruling parties (Congress and JDS), legal cell and panel advocate's ignorance, the Nalapad group got the verdict in its favour. The court has said that the Khata must be registered to Nalapad. The order was passed a month ago on June 25, the BBMP should have approached the Supreme Court. Now, our lawyers are saying that they will approach the Supreme Court. I strongly appeal to Mayor (Gangambike) and BBMP commissioner (Manjunath Prasad) to take steps as our lakes, ponds and other prime lands are being taken away by others." said Reddy

He further added that BBMP should move the Supreme Court immediately. “The high court ruling should have been in BBMP's favour had our legal cell defended well and furnished documents. There is something fishy. A probe should be initiated against the legal cell. BBMP engineers have no role here, ruling parties, legal cell and revenue department should be held responsible”, Reddy remarked.

A response from MLA NA Harris is awaited