Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former minister R Ashoka has launched a fierce political attack on the ruling Congress government in Karnataka. He has accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of fostering illegal settlements, going so far as to claim the state is being turned into a 'mini Bangladesh'.
Allegations After Site Visit in Yelahanka
The controversy erupted following Ashoka's visit to an eviction site at Kogilu layout in Yelahanka on 31 December 2025. After inspecting the area, the BJP leader held a press conference where he made serious allegations against the state's administration.
Ashoka claimed that the Chief Minister is directly encouraging large-scale encroachment of public and government lands. He alleged that this has led to the formation of widespread illegal settlements, which he controversially compared to a separate entity within the state's borders.
A Scathing Attack on Governance
In his remarks, Ashoka did not mince words. He portrayed the Siddaramaiah-led government as one that is systematically undermining law and order by allowing such encroachments to flourish. The BJP leader's use of the term 'mini Bangladesh' is seen as a highly charged political statement aimed at questioning the government's control over land and demographic changes.
The visit and subsequent allegations are part of the ongoing and intense political tussle between the BJP, which is the principal opposition party in the state, and the incumbent Congress government. Land issues and encroachments in Bengaluru's peripheries, like Yelahanka, have long been contentious topics in Karnataka's politics.
Political Repercussions and Next Steps
This accusation is likely to escalate the political feud in Karnataka. The BJP is expected to use this issue to corner the government both in the legislative assembly and in public discourse. The party may demand clarifications and action plans from the Revenue and Bengaluru Development departments.
As of now, the state government or Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has not issued an official response to these specific allegations made by R Ashoka. The Congress party will likely dismiss the claims as politically motivated rhetoric ahead of any potential elections or to divert attention from other issues.
The eviction drive at Kogilu layout itself remains a sensitive issue, affecting numerous residents. Ashoka's intervention has now added a sharp political dimension to what is primarily a civic and legal matter, ensuring it will remain in the headlines for the foreseeable future.
