Belagavi, Dec 30 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP has expressed strong opposition to the Congress-led government’s recent decision to offer rehabilitation to encroachers in Bengaluru, whose homes were previously demolished, claiming that this decision was influenced by the All India Congress Committee (AICC). The party announced it would deliberate on possible protests during its core committee meeting set for January 5.

During a press conference on Tuesday, BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, alleging they have reversed their stance regarding the demolition of illegal structures in the Kogilu layout of Bengaluru.

Vijayendra asserted that the policies of the Congress-led government have led the state into a situation where public protests might arise.

He mentioned that the upcoming BJP state core committee meeting on January 5 will cover various topics including the drug mafia, perceived disrespect towards Kannadigas, and issues within the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, ultimately deciding on a strategy for statewide demonstrations.

Vijayendra highlighted that the Chief Minister has proposed to assign homes from the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Society located in Baiyappanahalli to illegal immigrants. He questioned whether decisions regarding the state should be dictated by AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal, who is from Kerala, rather than the Chief Minister of Karnataka.

He emphasized that the homes at Baiyappanahalli were intended for Kannadigas and the underprivileged, warning against arbitrary decisions made out of fear of party leadership to maintain one's position. He challenged the Chief Minister's legal authority to make such decisions.

Accusing the government of violating regulations, Vijayendra claimed that the announcement to allocate homes to illegal migrants is in direct contravention of the law.

“The actions of the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister are inherently illegal. Why make decisions that undermine the dignity of Kannadigas?” he questioned.

He further probed whether it is appropriate for the government to distribute taxpayer-funded homes indiscriminately.

Vijayendra alleged that this shift in policy followed comments from Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and threats made by K.C. Venugopal towards the state leaders.

He claimed that the Chief Minister is preoccupied with preserving his position, while the Deputy Chief Minister is focused on gaining the Chief Minister's role.

“What wrong have the poor of our state committed?” Vijayendra asked.

Recalling past actions, he noted that Siddaramaiah had announced the construction of 100 homes in Wayanad, Kerala after devastating floods, along with immediate compensation for victims of elephant attacks.

“If aid can be extended to Kerala, what injustice have the impoverished people of our state faced?” he questioned.

Vijayendra remarked that farmers in Karnataka are suffering due to excessive rainfall and are looking for assistance from the Chief Minister. “Instead of addressing farmers' issues, is the Chief Minister merely pointing fingers at the Centre?” he questioned.

Critiquing the government’s housing achievements, Vijayendra stated that the attempts to secure or usurp the Chief Minister's position have resulted in injustices to the state and its impoverished citizens. He pointed out that during the 2013-18 term, Siddaramaiah claimed that 14.5 lakh houses were built, whereas only 5.19 lakh were completed during the BJP's tenure. As of March 2023, approximately 12 lakh homes remain unfinished, requiring Rs 17,815 crore to meet targets.

He recalled that in the 2023 Budget, the Chief Minister declared that three lakh homes would be finalized and given to beneficiaries within the current year, with a budget of Rs 2,450 crore. “In two-and-a-half years of governance, how many homes have been constructed for the poor?” he asked.

Vijayendra insisted that the government should prioritize housing for the poor and extremely poor of the state before considering the needs of individuals from neighboring regions. He lamented that it needed to be reiterated to Siddaramaiah that he is the Chief Minister of Karnataka. “It is a tragedy for this land that the Chief Minister is seemingly undermining the interests of Kannadigas,” he stated.

Attending the event were Rajya Sabha member Eeranna Kadadi; MLAs Abhay Patil, Nikhil Katti, Vitthal Halagekar; BJP Rural district president Subhash Patil; City district president Geeta Sutar; former MLAs Sanjay Patil and Anil Benake; along with senior BJP leaders M.L. Muttennavar, M.B. Jirali, and Ravi Patil.