A Karnataka BJP delegation, led by Leaders of the Opposition R. Ashoka and Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, visited the demolition site at Kogilu Layout in Bengaluru. The visit follows a major controversy over the Congress-led government’s decision to rehabilitate encroachers at the site after AICC’s intervention. The delegation, accompanied by officials from the Greater Bengaluru Authority, interacted with locals who claimed long-term residence at the site.
Ashoka, addressing the media after the visit, criticized the Congress government, alleging that Karnataka had become a hub for illegal settlements resembling “mini Bangladeshs.” He questioned the authenticity of the residents’ claims, pointing to satellite images showing the land as vacant a year ago. The Opposition leader raised concerns about the sudden provision of electricity connections to the encroachers, contrasting it with the lack of electricity for many lawful residents in the state.
Accusing the government of misleading the public, Ashoka questioned the origins of the occupants, suggesting they were from Andhra Pradesh. He raised doubts about their claims of long-term residence and criticized the allocation of valuable land to them. The BJP delegation highlighted disparities in housing assistance, citing unaddressed issues faced by flood-affected families and schoolchildren studying under inadequate conditions.
Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, criticized the government’s swift actions following external pressure, alleging a preferential treatment of illegal occupants over lawful applicants for housing. He called for a thorough investigation into the relocation of the encroachers and demanded the involvement of the National Investigation Agency for document verification. The BJP leaders emphasized the security implications of the situation and urged prompt identification and deportation of illegal immigrants.
