Krishna Byre Gowda wants turf club to pay taxes, move

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Krishna Byre Gowda, chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), expressed anger over the state government turning a blind eye towards issues of the Bangalore Turf Club (BTC), despite the lease agreement having expired 13 years ago. He has alleged that the government has failed to recover the land acquisition fees from the club and has been working in its favour in other aspects.

“The club must not be restricted to the rich elite – IAS and IPS officers. The government has not issued a notice to the club, which owes Rs 80 to Rs 100 crore,” Gowda said and added that the government should immediately relocate the turf club. He noted that when HK Patil had become the president, a discussion over relocation of the club had been initiated.

He proposed that the premises of the club be converted into a park, similar to the Cubbon Park or the Lalbagh botanical gardens, making them accessible to the public. “The Supreme Court has not restricted the government from collecting rent, then why is the government not doing so? It is working as an advocate for the club and is carrying out injustice by going against our directive,” said Gowda.

Members of PAC, including Gowda, Eshwar Khandre and Patil have expressed anger over the government not collecting taxes and rent from the club. The matter has been brought to the notice of the Chief Secretary Vandita Sharma, who has demanded answers to questions raised by Byre Gowda in the next meeting.