Bengaluru, Jan 5 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP organized a significant protest at Kogilu Cross in Bengaluru on Monday, denouncing the Congress-led government's initiative to rehabilitate encroachers on government land after the involvement of the All India Congress Committee (AICC).

The BJP representatives claimed that this land is meant for Kannadigas and firmly stated they would not permit it to be transferred to Bangladeshis.

Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, R. Ashoka, along with Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra, along with all BJP MLAs and MLCs from Bengaluru, took part in the demonstration.

The leaders displayed placards questioning the lack of housing for local residents and how homes could be allocated to suspected illegal immigrants. The posters also accused the Congress-led government of engaging in appeasement politics.

During his address to the crowd, Ashoka cautioned that even a single house being given to individuals from Bangladesh at Kogilu Cross would create a troubling precedent. He emphasized that land owned by Kannadigas would not be surrendered to Bangladeshi nationals under any circumstances.

Referencing official records, Ashoka noted that nearly 36 lakh impoverished individuals in Karnataka have requested housing and residential sites.

“No housing solutions have been provided to them. When they visit the Housing Board, they are told to return the next day,” he alleged.

He pointed out that many disadvantaged individuals from various districts have relocated to Bengaluru and are now forced to sleep on the streets due to the lack of housing. “Such individuals are invisible to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. However, those arriving from Bangladesh are readily acknowledged by him. If this trend continues, an RTC ‘Bangladesh to Bengaluru’ bus service may soon be initiated,” he remarked.

Ashoka charged that the entire governmental apparatus has mobilized at Kogilu Cross. “Revenue officials, police personnel, and others are stationed here to protect these individuals. The government is showing favoritism towards them solely for electoral gains,” he claimed.

He further asserted that out of Bangladesh's population of 160 million, approximately 30 million have reportedly gone missing and entered India, residing in cities like Bengaluru, parts of Maharashtra, and West Bengal.

“Currently, ordinary citizens in Kashmir require protection from the Indian Army to go about their daily lives, and substantial amounts are being spent to secure Jammu and Kashmir. Bengaluru should not deteriorate into such a state,” he stated.

Ashoka revealed that 150 illegal structures were demolished at Kogilu Cross, but officials are now claiming that 280 residents have emerged. “Even then, the Byatarayanapura MLA is nowhere to be found,” he alleged.

He claimed that police halted more than 60 buses carrying BJP protesters. “This government will not endure for even two years. If protesters are obstructed, the agitation will intensify,” he warned.

Reflecting on recent events, Ashoka mentioned that stone-pelting incidents occurred during an Om Shakti procession, and similar occurrences arose during Ganesh celebrations. “Even Ganesh idols were kept inside police stations. The Congress has betrayed the Hindus who supported them,” he alleged.

He additionally claimed that Muslims from other regions were brought to Kogilu Cross and asked to present Aadhaar cards. “One woman mentioned she came from Penukonda in Andhra Pradesh and asserted she had settled here 25 years ago. That would imply she built a house when she was just two years old,” he charged.

Ashoka claimed that such developments are not conducive to the interests of Karnataka.

“For the sake of the Kerala elections and to position Congress leader K.C. Venugopal as Chief Minister, the Congress party is acting under his influence. While Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan faces criticism to maintain power there, land valued at Rs 600 crore has been allocated here,” he alleged.

He noted that applications for housing under the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation must be submitted online and typically take around two years for approval. “Yet, here, houses are being allocated within just two days. This is a matter that concerns all Kannadigas,” he said.

“If Bangladeshis settle here, incidents of theft, robbery, and drug-related activities will escalate. This is why we aim to convey a message to safeguard Karnataka for Kannadigas,” Ashoka stated.

Stating that the land at Kogilu Cross does not belong to the Congress party, Ashoka claimed there is no necessity to allocate land based on directives from Congress national leader K.C. Venugopal. “Even when Hindus are harmed, Congress leaders remain silent. However, they readily advocate for Bangladeshis at every opportunity. We will oppose this and continue our protest in the next Assembly session as well,” he concluded.