Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Araga Jnanendra launched a sharp critique against the Karnataka state government on Saturday, accusing it of showing preferential treatment in resolving land disputes. The Thirthahalli legislator highlighted a stark contrast between the handling of unauthorised residents in Bengaluru's Kogilu Layout and the long-pending claims of villagers displaced by the Sharavathi dam project in Shivamogga.
Allegations of Bias and Corruption
Speaking to reporters in Shivamogga, Jnanendra, a former minister, questioned the government's priorities. He pointed out that while authorities were moving to grant land titles to occupants of Kogilu Layout in Bengaluru who lack proper documentation, the Sharavathi dam victims have been waiting for decades for justice. These villagers were displaced when the dam was constructed.
The BJP MLA did not mince words, alleging a corrupt motive behind the swift action for Kogilu. He claimed that some ministers collected Rs 50 lakh from the residents there. Furthermore, he expressed concern that the settlement included people from various states like Jammu and Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala, who were now being provided with flats by the government.
Neglect of Displaced Villagers
Jnanendra painted a grim picture of the plight of the Sharavathi evacuees, who he said are struggling to survive without proper rehabilitation or land rights. He accused the ruling Congress government of viewing the Kogilu community as a vote bank and therefore fast-tracking their case, while utterly neglecting the legitimate demands of the Shivamogga villagers.
"The government is providing flats to these unauthorised residents, while the Sharavathi evacuees, who lost their homes for a state project, are left in the lurch," the MLA stated, emphasising the perceived injustice in the government's approach.
Call for Arrest in Ballari Case
Beyond the land issue, Araga Jnanendra also turned his fire on Congress MLA Nara Bharat Reddy. He demanded Reddy's immediate arrest for allegedly making inflammatory remarks following the recent Ballari firing incident, which resulted in the death of a Congress party worker. This adds a layer of political tension to his criticism of the state administration.
The strong statements from the senior BJP leader underscore the growing political friction in Karnataka, with the opposition targeting the government on issues of alleged corruption, bias in welfare measures, and law and order.
