Bengaluru, Jan 1 (NationPress) In light of the ongoing debate regarding the demolition of encroached government land and the subsequent rehabilitation of encroachers following intervention by the AICC in Bengaluru, former Deputy Chief Minister and BJP MLA C.N. Ashwath Narayan has made a striking claim, asserting that all encroachers are Bangladeshis. He accused the Karnataka government of shifting focus away from the core issue by presenting an agenda of providing housing for the underprivileged.

Addressing the media in Bengaluru on Thursday, Ashwath Narayan stated, “All encroachers are Bangladeshis. No one qualifies for house allotment. An inquiry by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is essential in this matter. If I am mistaken, anyone is welcome to contest my statement. There is documentation within the department — inquire with them. Approximately 25 lakh Bangladeshis reside here. This number may shock you, but I say it with full responsibility and not as mere conjecture.”

He emphasized that the primary concern lies with the presence of alleged illegal immigrants, which he believes is being overlooked. “The focus should not solely be on providing housing for the needy. The reality is that these are individuals from Bangladesh,” he claimed.

“The distribution of houses must adhere strictly to eligibility criteria, with priority granted to qualified applicants. The matter of house allotment is distinct. The beneficiaries are predominantly Bangladeshis. There exists a report indicating that over 25 lakh Bangladeshis are present here. This poses a significant national security issue. Instead of addressing this, the Karnataka government is engaging in theatrics to obscure the reality,” he alleged.

“What can be expected from the Minister for Housing and Waqf, Zameer Ahmed Khan? They may continue, but fundamental queries must be resolved. The government ought to disclose details about the houses being allocated to encroachers and clarify the original allottees,” Ashwath Narayan asserted.

In the meantime, Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh mentioned that his department, along with the Social Welfare Department, conducted a survey at the Kogilu demolition site. “Ninety of the affected individuals are locals. Only those who are local and eligible — approximately 90 individuals — will be rehabilitated,” he stated.

Senior BJP MLA S.R. Vishwanath, representing the Yelahanka constituency near the demolition location, claimed, “This is government land in Kogilu village. Over the previous two years, illegal structures have been erected in stages. Both illegal immigrants and locals have settled there. Local Congress leaders assured them of housing, collected fees, constructed the structures, and charged rent monthly.”

“The residents did not construct these structures. Congress leaders built them and profited from rent. The government eventually recognized this, leading to the eviction process. For two days, no action was taken. Following the Chief Minister of Kerala's remarks, the AICC intervened, prompting the government to rush to the site and promise rehabilitation. The Chief Minister convened an emergency meeting, a response not seen even during the IPL tragedy,” Vishwanath alleged.

“They have gathered documents and intend to allocate houses at Byappanahalli, funded through Central and State subsidies under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Authentic beneficiaries are required to pay Rs 10.50 lakh, while encroachers are offered houses at Rs 2.50 lakh, with the BBMP contributing Rs 5 lakh and the Minority Department providing Rs 2.50 lakh,” he explained.

“In and around Bengaluru, one lakh houses have been constructed, with no payments being made. Here, beneficiaries are only required to pay Rs 2.50 lakh. This could lead to embarrassment for the government. If houses are allocated, we have collected documents to pursue legal action. The matter will be contested in court, and a complaint will also be lodged with the Governor,” he said.

“I will construct facilities for the impoverished in my constituency as well, and I expect the state to provide housing for them. There is no legal basis for the regularization of encroachments or encroachers. Otherwise, unauthorized structures will proliferate on government land statewide,” he cautioned.