Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday firmly rejected opposition allegations of minority appeasement in the state government's handling of encroachments in Bengaluru. He asserted that there would be no "gifting" of land or benefits to illegal settlers and promised strict action against those who facilitated such settlements.
No Appeasement, Only Action: Shivakumar's Stance
Responding to BJP charges that the Congress government was engaging in minority appeasement with an eye on the upcoming Kerala assembly elections, Shivakumar stated that encroachments were unacceptable under any circumstances. "There is no appeasement politics. We will take action against those who facilitated the encroachment," he declared.
He explained that the evictees had given statements alleging that some individuals collected money to allow them to set up sheds. On humanitarian grounds, the government would provide housing to eligible evictees through the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, but this would not amount to regularizing the illegal occupation.
"We will rehabilitate only the genuine eligible evictees. We are not regularizing it but will provide housing only to eligible locals," the Deputy CM clarified, adding that officials would investigate reports that some evictees possessed identity cards from two different states.
Review of Land Rights and Reaction to Kerala MPs
Shivakumar announced that previous land rights granted in the Kogilu area would be reviewed, and recent encroachments would be thoroughly scrutinized. "Land rights were granted some time ago, and I've asked officials to verify these claims. Some outsiders have encroached more recently. We will identify the original settlers and ensure their rehabilitation," he said.
Addressing criticism from Kerala MPs over his statement that the encroachment issue was Karnataka's internal matter, Shivakumar was unequivocal. "Yes, we are running our government well. They can give whatever statement they want, we will not allow encroachments," he retorted. He further accused Kerala's leaders of not delivering on promises during previous floods in Karnataka, stating they had no right to comment on the state's affairs.
Regarding comments made by Pakistan's External Affairs Minister on the demolitions, Shivakumar said senior national leaders would respond appropriately.
BJP Ramp Up Protests, Allege Outside Interference
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) continued its sharp criticism of the Congress government's rehabilitation decision, alleging it followed intervention by the All India Congress Committee (AICC). BJP state president BY Vijayendra, speaking in Belagavi, questioned whether Karnataka's policies should be decided by "a Keralite KC Venugopal sitting in Delhi" or by the state's own Chief Minister.
Vijayendra announced that the party would launch statewide protests after its core committee meeting on January 5. Issues like the drug mafia, alleged insults to Kannadigas, and irregularities in the Gruha Lakshmi scheme would be discussed, leading to a decision on the agitation.
"Announcing houses for illegal migrants by throwing rules to the wind is completely illegal. Do the CM and DCM even have the legal authority to take such a decision?" Vijayendra asked, arguing that the houses were built for poor Kannadigas using taxpayers' money.
In Bengaluru, Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje questioned if the "heat of Kerala elections" was influencing Karnataka's decisions. She demanded the state government cooperate in identifying and deporting Rohingyas and other illegal migrants, calling for verification of their Aadhaar cards and voter IDs.
Clarification on Kerala Remarks
A controversy had erupted earlier after Shivakumar's remarks in response to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's criticism, who had described the demolitions as "anti-minority aggressive politics." Shivakumar later stated his comments were misinterpreted and aimed only at the Kerala government's intervention, not its people.
"There is a cordial relationship between me and Keralites. The people of Kerala like me and I have respect for them," he said, accusing the BJP of twisting his statement to create confusion. He expressed confidence that the Congress would form a government in Kerala after the upcoming elections.
