Bengaluru, Jan 3 (NationPress) On Saturday, the Karnataka BJP's fact-finding committee conducted a site visit to Fakir Colony and Wasim Layout located near Kogilu Layout in Yelahanka, Bengaluru. The purpose of this visit was to assess the situation regarding the demolition of structures erected on government land and confirm the presence of various houses and sheds in the area.

Following the visit, BJP MLA S.R. Vishwanath revealed to the media that approximately 95% of the demolished structures were built within the last two years.

Vishwanath also declared that a significant protest is scheduled to occur at the demolition site in Kogilu Layout on January 5.

He mentioned that a comprehensive report concerning the Kogilu Layout situation would be submitted to the BJP state president within the next two days.

This report will encompass vital details such as the land transfer to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), survey numbers, Google Maps data, legal considerations, and other pertinent information.

There are ongoing discussions about whether the BJP state president will present this report to the Governor or pursue legal action.

Vishwanath insisted that local residents should be provided housing at a cost of Rs 2.5 lakh.

“I can also construct 100 sheds. Once they are demolished, the government will have to provide housing,” he stated.

He accused the government of failing to house disaster relief victims or those who lost homes built over stormwater drains, claiming the entire operation is motivated by vote-bank politics.

Participants in the protest will include individuals who applied for housing under the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation. “Ultimately, we will seek legal recourse,” he asserted.

Vishwanath demanded strict measures against those accused of taking bribes and illegally allocating houses under fraudulent agreements.

“Whether it is Wasim or Vishwanath, anyone involved must face arrest and imprisonment. Today, the Congress is shielding such individuals,” he alleged.

When questioned, he indicated that the developer of Wasim Layout, who is a local Congress leader closely associated with ministers, named the layout after himself.

He claimed to have audio evidence of individuals being solicited for payment of Rs 4 lakh or Rs 3.5 lakh to have sheds constructed.

Additionally, he alleged that this individual had arranged rental housing for certain people.

Despite reportedly defrauding hundreds, no legal actions have been initiated against him.

“They have facilitated Aadhaar and voter ID cards for them. We will provide these documents to officials for validation,” he noted.

Vishwanath contended that the situation is being politicized following comments from AICC General Secretary and MP K.C. Venugopal, asserting that it is motivated by political interests linked to remarks made by the Kerala Chief Minister.

He stated that around 20,000 houses have been built in his constituency. “Those who paid Rs 1 lakh six years ago for housing are still waiting for allocation,” he remarked.

He pointed out that while the government announced housing allotments from the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation at Baiyappanahalli, this process also involves legal complexities.

Applicants must have resided in Bengaluru for a minimum of five years and possess a valid residence certificate issued by officials. Applications are required to be submitted online.

“Ten percent of the houses are designated for minorities. There are 58 vacant houses under the minority quota at Baiyappanahalli,” he stated.

He expressed concern that while officials reported approximately 250 residents in the area, records exist for only about 40 houses.

According to Section 94CC, houses are only allocated if the structure existed prior to 2015 and if applications were submitted in a timely manner.

“Houses cannot be allocated for encroachments on transferred land,” he clarified.

He mentioned that the Baiyappanahalli housing initiative comprises apartment units exceeding 12 floors and equipped with lifts.

“If such apartments are assigned, residents will incur maintenance fees of at least Rs 500 to Rs 600. How can impoverished individuals who claim they can't even afford photocopies sustain this?” he questioned.

He added that the government has announced financial aid of Rs 5 lakh from the BBMP and Rs 2.5 lakh from the Minority Welfare Department.

“They claim those who lost their homes need only pay Rs 2.5 lakh. Such funds cannot be distributed in this manner,” he remarked, calling the statements nonsensical.

“The government is deceiving them with false assurances,” he alleged.

Members accompanying Vishwanath included BJP state vice-president Malavika Avinash, MLAs Muniraj and K.S. Naveen, state general secretary Tamesh Gowda, Bengaluru North district president S. Harish, and other party figures.