Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has urged residents of Bengaluru South district to hold on to their land, stating that property values have increased significantly since the district was renamed last year.
Addressing a series of public meetings during a roadshow in his constituency of Kanakapura on Sunday, Shivakumar said the renaming of the former Ramanagara district had strengthened its identity and enhanced the value of land in the region.
CM advises farmers to retain their land
Speaking to residents, Shivakumar said people were already witnessing the benefits of the district’s new identity and advised them against selling agricultural land.
“You are aware of what has happened here after renaming the district,” he told the gathering, emphasising that land values were likely to continue rising in the coming years.
The Chief Minister also encouraged residents to explore local livelihood opportunities instead of migrating to Bengaluru city in search of employment.
Focus on local opportunities
Shivakumar highlighted activities such as sericulture and dairy farming as sustainable sources of income that could help families remain in their villages while benefiting from the region’s growth.
He also noted that opposition to the district’s renaming had largely diminished and urged people to see themselves as part of the broader Bengaluru region.
Renaming remains a political issue
The renaming of Ramanagara district as Bengaluru South sparked political debate, with Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy accusing the government of promoting real estate interests through the move.
Ramanagara was carved out of the former Bangalore Rural district in 2007 when Kumaraswamy served as Chief Minister. The district has since remained a political stronghold for both leaders.
Shivakumar reiterated that the region is poised for rapid development and thanked voters for their continued support during the roadshow. He also reaffirmed his commitment to the growth and development of Bengaluru South district.