BJP Voices Alarm Over Congress Government's Inaction on Illegal Immigration in Karnataka Assembly
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Synopsis
On March 12, the Karnataka BJP raised alarms in the Legislative Assembly regarding the Congress government's inability to manage illegal immigration. MLA Manappa D. Vajjal highlighted discrepancies in official statistics, claiming the actual number of illegal immigrants may reach into the lakhs, significantly impacting the state's reputation and security.
Key Takeaways
- The BJP criticized the Congress government for inadequate measures against illegal immigration.
- Vijayapura district reportedly houses 13,000 illegal immigrants.
- Government documents are allegedly being misused by illegal immigrants.
- Illegal immigrants are involved in criminal activities and drug trafficking.
- Calls for a thorough investigation into the issue have been made.
Bengaluru, March 12 (NationPress) The BJP in Karnataka expressed serious concerns during the Legislative Assembly session on Tuesday regarding the Congress government's inability to effectively address illegal immigration issues within the state. Manappa D. Vajjal, BJP MLA representing Lingasugur, raised this pressing matter in the House.
MLA Vajjal pointed out that the Congress-led government's official figures report only 556 illegal immigrants across the state. However, he highlighted that Vijayapura district alone is home to approximately 13,000 illegal immigrants. He remarked, "If one district harbors 13,000 illegal immigrants, the true total statewide must be in the lakhs."
He further claimed that these illegal immigrants have acquired government-issued documents, including ration cards and voter IDs, complicating their identification as foreigners. "They are engaging in drug trafficking and related criminal activities, posing a risk to local youth," Vajjal stated.
"The government's data is misleading. I call on the Home Minister to conduct an identification process for illegal immigrants across all districts. Moreover, those responsible for issuing them government documents must be held accountable. Bengaluru and Karnataka have a global reputation, and illegal immigrants are damaging our state's image," he added.
BJP MLA and General Secretary V. Sunil Kumar emphasized that illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Pakistan pose a substantial threat to national security. "The Rohingyas residing here are involved in criminal behavior. Yet, the government claims there are only 556 illegal immigrants statewide. This issue warrants at least a 30-minute discussion. They are settling in areas like Kodagu and Bengaluru, and the government must not overlook this situation," he stressed.
He added that illegal immigration has been a problem in Karnataka for over 20 years.
Opposition Leader R. Ashoka remarked, "Illegal immigration is a grave concern, particularly in Bengaluru. Individuals from Bangladesh are settling here, and there are also reports of Nigerian nationals involved in drug trafficking, supplying drugs from their home country. These immigrants have even attacked police. Bangladeshi immigrants are securing all necessary paperwork. This matter requires extensive discussion in the House."
Speaker U.T. Khader promised to consider a thorough discussion on this topic and instructed Home Minister G. Parameshwara to offer clarifications.
Last week, the Karnataka government reported identifying 137 illegal immigrants in the state, including nationals from Bangladesh and Pakistan, and assured that authorities are continually monitoring the activities of illegal immigrants from these neighboring countries.
Of the 137 illegal immigrants identified in the state, 25 are Pakistani nationals.
During the Assembly's discussion on the rising threat of illegal immigration, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara confirmed that currently, 137 illegal immigrants from various countries, including Bangladesh and Pakistan, have been identified, apprehended, and that legal proceedings have commenced against them.
