The Karnataka government has initiated a process to rehabilitate individuals whose homes were demolished for encroaching on government land near Bengaluru's Kogilu Layout. This move has sparked significant political controversy, with the principal opposition party, the BJP, mounting strong opposition and threatening legal action.
Phase One Allotment and Strict Eligibility Criteria
In the initial phase, houses will be allotted to 26 families from among the 167 that were evicted. Housing Minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan confirmed that the document verification process for this first batch is complete. He stated that the allotment could happen within a day or two.
Minister Khan emphasized that authorities are adhering to strict eligibility norms. "We will not provide houses to people from outside the state under any circumstances," he asserted. To qualify, applicants must have been residing in Bengaluru city for a minimum of five years, a criterion the minister cited as a reason for the delay in the process.
Addressing Allegations and Finalizing Beneficiaries
Out of 260 houses at the site, 161 were demolished. The government has received more applications than available houses. Minister Khan clarified that, as per the chief minister's instructions, priority is being given to those whose houses were actually razed. "It has been decided that those whose houses were demolished will be provided housing facilities," he explained.
Officials revealed that Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, who represents the assembly constituency, finalized the beneficiary list. To counter BJP allegations that Bangladeshi nationals were being favored, detailed background checks were compiled, including the mother tongue of beneficiaries. The list comprises:
- 108 Kannada speakers
- 103 Urdu speakers
- 13 Tamil speakers
- 11 Hindi speakers
- 3 Marathi speakers
- A few Telugu-speaking families
Political Backlash and Accusations
The BJP has vehemently opposed the rehabilitation move, arguing that it sets a dangerous precedent by rewarding those termed illegal dwellers. State BJP President BY Vijayendra has accused the Congress government of engaging in "appeasement politics" and labeled the decision an "unpardonable crime." The party has announced plans for statewide protests.
Vijayendra further claimed that the government's decision came under pressure, alleging, "After the demolitions, the moment AICC general secretary KC Venugopal issued threats, Siddaramaiah, fearing the loss of his chief ministerial chair, decided to provide houses to illegal migrants." The BJP has indicated it may approach the court following the allotment of houses.
