Bengaluru, Jul 21 (PTI) Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly R Ashoka on Tuesday claimed that the BJP had prevented the relocation of the Government Flying Training School (GFTS) at Jakkur and described the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s (DGCA) renewal of its licence as a victory for public vigilance.
Reacting to reports that the DGCA has renewed the flying school’s approval for another five years and that flight training is set to resume, Ashoka alleged that the Congress government had attempted to shift the institution with real estate interests in mind but was forced to back down following public opposition.
“We exposed it. We fought it. We stopped it. Jakkur Flying School will fly again,” Ashoka said in a post on X.
He alleged that the Congress government had “quietly tried to dismantle the historic Government Flying Training School (GFTS), Jakkur” by proposing to relocate it under the guise of developing a sports complex.
“Inside the Assembly, I exposed the sinister plan to relocate one of India’s oldest flying training institutions under the deceptive guise of a ‘Sports Complex’. We warned that this was never about sports; it was about unlocking hundreds of acres of prime public land by removing aviation restrictions and opening the door for powerful real estate interests,” he said.
Claiming that subsequent developments had vindicated the BJP’s stand, Ashoka said the DGCA has renewed Jakkur Flying School’s licence for the next five years (2026-31) and flying operations are set to resume. The proposal to shift the institution has been pushed back, and Bengaluru has retained a priceless aviation asset.
Calling the development not merely a licence renewal, he said it was a victory of public vigilance over political greed.
Ashoka said the institution, built on land donated by the Mysore Wadiyar family and linked to a legacy dating back to the era of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, deserved preservation, not demolition for speculative development.
“The message is loud and clear: Bengaluru is not for sale. Karnataka’s public institutions are not a land bank for politically connected builders,” he said.
Referring to other land-related controversies, the BJP leader said, “From KSIC to Jakkur Aerodrome, a clear pattern emerged. Every time public land became vulnerable, the BJP stood up. Every time vested interests advanced, we exposed them. Every time citizens’ heritage came under threat, we fought back.” Addressing the Congress government, Ashoka said, “Every inch of public land you attempt to sacrifice for vested interests will be met with uncompromising resistance. The BJP Karnataka will continue to be the shield protecting Karnataka’s heritage, institutions and public assets.” He asserted, “Public pressure works. Truth prevails. Bengaluru has won.” PTI GMS ADB
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