BJP plans court battle over Kogilu rehab plan in Karnataka, to stage protest on Jan 5 | Bengaluru News
Bengaluru: The BJP has decided to approach the courts against the govt’s move to provide houses to those displaced in the Kogilu encroachment clearance drive. The party plans to stage a massive protest at Freedom Park on Jan 5 over the matter, its functionaries said Thursday.Senior MLA SR Vishwanath, a member of the BJP’s fact-finding committee constituted to examine the Kogilu eviction, said the party would legally challenge any move to allot houses in violation of eligibility norms, and submit a representation to the governor opposing the govt’s decision. He added that the party would also move the courts if houses are allotted to illegal Bangladeshi immigrants by projecting them as victims of the eviction drive.
Vishwanath said the panel held its first meeting Thursday and would conduct a site inspection to collect details, including survey numbers and the background of those residing in the area. The committee is expected to submit its report to the state BJP president within a week.He questioned the urgency shown by the govt in promising rehabilitation, alleging irregularities such as the provision of electricity connections on govt land. Vishwanath said housing schemes mandate income criteria and proof of at least five years’ residence in Bengaluru, adding that issuing certificates without due process would be illegal.Responding to the BJP’s allegations, urban development minister Byrathi Suresh said a survey conducted by his department and the social welfare department found that around 90 affected persons were locals and eligible for rehabilitation, and only such beneficiaries would be considered. Housing and waqf minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan also said there is no question of allotting houses to outsiders.
