The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka has announced a dual-pronged strategy to oppose the state government's decision to provide rehabilitation houses to those displaced in the Kogilu encroachment clearance drive. The party plans to mount a legal challenge in the courts while simultaneously organizing a large-scale public demonstration.
Legal Battle and Mass Protest Planned
Senior BJP MLA and member of the party's fact-finding committee on the Kogilu eviction, SR Vishwanath, declared on Thursday that the BJP will legally contest any move to allot houses in violation of established eligibility norms. The party also intends to submit a formal representation to the Governor opposing the government's decision.
In a significant escalation, the BJP has called for a massive protest at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on January 5 to voice its dissent against the rehabilitation plan. Vishwanath emphasized that the party would not hesitate to move the courts if houses are allotted to illegal Bangladeshi immigrants who are falsely projected as victims of the eviction drive.
Allegations of Irregularities and Violation of Norms
The BJP's fact-finding committee held its first meeting on Thursday. Vishwanath stated that the panel will soon conduct a site inspection to gather crucial details, including survey numbers and the background of the residents. The committee is expected to submit its findings to the state BJP president within a week.
Vishwanath questioned the government's urgency in promising rehabilitation, pointing to alleged irregularities like the provision of electricity connections on government land. He outlined that standard housing schemes mandate specific income criteria and proof of at least five years of continuous residence in Bengaluru. Issuing certificates and allotting houses without following this due process would be illegal, he asserted.
Government's Rebuttal and Assurance
Responding to the BJP's allegations, Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh clarified that a joint survey by his department and the social welfare department identified approximately 90 affected persons who are locals and eligible for rehabilitation. He assured that only these verified beneficiaries would be considered.
Echoing this stance, Housing and Waqf Minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan firmly stated that there is no question of allotting houses to outsiders. The government's position is that the rehabilitation effort is strictly intended for eligible local residents displaced by the encroachment clearance operation.
The stage is now set for a major political and legal confrontation in Bengaluru, with the BJP gearing up for both street protests and courtroom battles over the contentious Kogilu rehabilitation issue.
