Apartment Owners’ Bill After 2.5 Years: Why DK Shivakumar Says Bengaluru’s Apartment Vote Matters Now
Bengaluru: After nearly two-and-a-half years in power, the Karnataka government has finally moved decisively on the long-pending Karnataka Apartment Ownership and Management Bill, 2025, with Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar asserting that the government “stands firmly with apartment residents and homebuyers.”
Addressing representatives of apartment associations at a detailed consultation meeting at Vidhana Soudha’s Banquet Hall, Shivakumar said the draft law was being shaped only after direct feedback from apartment residents, calling it a “people-first legislation” that no previous government had dared to implement.
“This government belongs to you, not to me. That is why we are taking your suggestions before finalising the law,” he said.
Why the Bill Took 2.5 Years — And Why It’s Moving Now
The Apartment Ownership and Management Bill, 2025 comes nearly 2.5 years after the Congress government took office, prompting questions from residents and civil society groups about the delay.
Shivakumar acknowledged the long wait but said the delay was deliberate, not political.
“This is not a cosmetic law. It will affect lakhs of apartment residents across Bengaluru and Karnataka. We did not want to rush it without understanding your problems,” he said, urging associations to send written suggestions to gbasuggestion@gmail.com within 10 days.
He added that the law would apply not only to Bengaluru but eventually across the state, including newly created municipal corporations under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA).
GBA Elections and Apartment Votes: A Clear Political Pitch
In one of the most politically direct moments of the interaction, Shivakumar openly sought support from apartment residents in the upcoming Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) elections, underlining the growing electoral importance of apartment communities.
“I am helping you, but I also seek your support through votes. Stand with us in the GBA elections,” he said.
He noted that nearly 19% of Bengaluru’s population now lives in apartments, making them a decisive voting bloc in city politics.
‘I Want to Leave a Permanent Mark on Bengaluru’
Shivakumar said he took charge of Bengaluru’s administration with a clear ambition: to leave a permanent legacy.
“I want my work to speak for itself. Bengaluru must change, and I want to leave a permanent footprint,” he said, outlining major infrastructure initiatives including:
- Two tunnel road projects to decongest traffic
- 130 km Bengaluru Business Corridor at a cost of ₹26,000 crore
- 40 km double-decker flyover, claimed to be India’s largest
- 117 km of new flyovers
- 300 km of buffer roads
- Premium FAR policy
- Simplified building plan approvals (Nambike Naksha)
- E-Khata rollout
He argued that road widening was no longer viable due to soaring property values and compensation costs under the 2013 Land Acquisition Act.
The Controversial Remark: Political Messaging, Not Policy
Shivakumar’s strongest words came when he referred to a past election setback involving apartment voters.
“I visited over 100 apartments seeking support. When borewells dried up, I ensured water supply. But when results came, you did not support us. My brother lost by one lakh votes in a single constituency,” he said.
Read Here: FIR against Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister for allegedly offering Cauvery river water and civic amenity site in exchange for votes
Was this blackmail?
There is no evidence that the delay of the Apartment Bill was linked to this electoral outcome. However, the remark has been interpreted by some participants as political pressure messaging, reflecting frustration over what the Deputy CM described as a mismatch between government assistance and electoral backing.
Importantly, Shivakumar clarified that despite this disappointment, the government was still engaging with apartment residents and inviting their inputs on the Bill.
“This Bill must be fair, transparent and just. Your voice must become the government’s voice,” he said.
‘I Will Not Bow to Threats’
Reacting sharply to a letter allegedly warning the government of electoral consequences if apartment demands were ignored, Shivakumar said he would not be intimidated.
“I have gone to jail without fearing the Prime Minister or the Home Minister. Do you think I will fear threats from anyone else?” he said, adding that democratic dialogue—not intimidation—would shape policy.
Why Apartments Matter to Bengaluru’s Future
Shivakumar underlined Bengaluru’s explosive growth:
- Population has grown from 70 lakh to over 1.4 crore
- 3,000 vehicles registered daily
- 1.3 crore vehicles currently on city roads
- 25 lakh IT professionals, many living in apartments
- Over 2 lakh foreign passport holders residing in the city
He said decentralisation was essential, pointing to new townships planned at Bidadi, Nandagudi and Solur to ease pressure on Bengaluru.
What Happens Next
After receiving feedback from apartment associations:
- The draft Bill will be refined
- Discussions will be held with legislators
- The law will be tabled in the Legislature
- It will apply to all five Bengaluru municipal corporations and later across Karnataka
Also Read: Bengaluru’s 1.5 Million Apartment Residents Demand KAOMA; BAF Pressures Govt Ahead of Belagavi Session
Also Read: Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar to Lead Talks With Bengaluru Apartment Federation on Dec 13; Key Concerns Likely to be Addressed
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ಇದನ್ನೂ ಓದಿ: 2.5 ವರ್ಷಗಳ ವಿಳಂಬದ ನಂತರ ಅಪಾರ್ಟ್ಮೆಂಟ್ ವಿಧೇಯಕ: “ನಮ್ಮ ಮೇಲೆ ನಂಬಿಕೆ ಇಡಿ” – ಅಪಾರ್ಟ್ಮೆಂಟ್ ನಿವಾಸಿಗಳಿಗೆ ಡಿಕೆ ಶಿವಕುಮಾರ್ ಸಂದೇಶ
Also Read: ‘New Bengaluru’ to Rise in North and South Districts, Says D.K. Shivakumar; Cauvery, Yettinahole Water Planned for Devanahalli
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