On What Grounds Is BJP Asserting the Presence of Bangladeshi Immigrants in Bengaluru?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Minister Priyank Kharge questions the BJP's claims regarding immigrants.
- The issue of illegal immigration is highlighted as a central concern.
- Calls for accountability from the Union Home Minister.
- Importance of maintaining communal harmony is stressed.
- Former Deputy CM raises alarm over encroachment issues.
Bengaluru, Jan 5 (NationPress) In response to the claims made by BJP leaders that the Karnataka government is accommodating supposed Bangladeshi immigrants whose structures on valuable government land in Bengaluru were demolished, following the intervention of the AICC, Minister for RDPR, IT and BT Priyank Kharge challenged the basis of these assertions.
While addressing the media in Bengaluru on Monday, Minister Kharge remarked, “What do they mean by illegal immigrants? Are they sure that illegal immigrants exist? Who is responsible for curbing illegal immigration? It is not the Union government's responsibility. How are illegal immigrants gaining entry into India?”
“Is the BJP implying that Union Home Minister Amit Shah is failing in his duties and cannot secure the borders? On what grounds are BJP leaders labeling these individuals as illegal immigrants? If they are, the law will follow its course,” he stated.
“However, what is the Home Minister of India doing? How are individuals making their way to Bengaluru, circumventing borders and passing through states governed by the BJP before arriving in Karnataka? How is that feasible? This indicates that the central government is exceedingly inefficient,” Kharge challenged.
Commenting on the recent stone-pelting incident involving Om Shakti devotees in Bengaluru, he asserted that whoever the offenders were, regardless of their faith, should face legal consequences if found guilty.
“We will not tolerate any form of disruption that may lead to communal discord. If there was malicious intent behind the act, those responsible must be prosecuted,” he emphasized.
It is noteworthy that former Deputy Chief Minister and BJP MLA C.N. Ashwath Narayan alleged that all encroachers were Bangladeshis and accused the Karnataka government of distracting from the issue by claiming to offer housing to the underprivileged.
Ashwath Narayan stated, “All encroachers are Bangladeshis. Technically, no one qualifies for housing allocation. A probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is necessary. If I am mistaken, anyone can dispute me. There is a report in the department — inquire with them. Approximately 25 lakh Bangladeshis reside here. You might be shocked by this figure, but I am making this statement responsibly and not as a generalization.”