Could Providing Houses to Encroachers Lead to Mini Pakistan?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Karnataka's LoP R. Ashoka raises alarm over the Congress government's plan to build homes for land encroachers, warning it could encourage the land mafia and potentially create a 'mini Pakistan'. He emphasizes the need for identification verification of the occupants amid rising concerns about local housing for the poor.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka's housing policy for encroachers raises concerns about legality.
- Leader of the Opposition warns of potential societal issues.
- Verification of occupant identities is crucial.
- Local poor residents are waiting for housing assistance.
- Calls for a high-level inquiry into the matter.
Bengaluru, Dec 31 (NationPress) R. Ashoka, the Karnataka Leader of the Opposition (LoP), articulated strong concerns on Tuesday about the Congress-led administration's decision to build homes for land encroachers, which he claims promotes the operations of the land mafia.
"Constructing houses for encroachers might lead to the emergence of mini Pakistan," he cautioned.
During a press briefing, Ashoka noted that a solid waste management unit was planned for that location at an investment of Rs 100 crore.
He explained that Survey No. 99 consists of nine acres of rocky terrain that was later transformed into a stone quarry and subsequently earmarked for waste disposal.
He contested claims that the area had been inhabited by Muslim residents for 20 years, asserting that Google Maps imagery from 2023 depicted the location as waterlogged and desolate, lacking any habitation.
“Even 15 acres of land was entirely unoccupied. Only in the past six months have individuals started residing there in makeshift shelters,” he added.
Ashoka pointed out that Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had addressed the eviction of encroachments on government land at Kogilu Cross.
He raised questions about the scheme under which Chief Minister Siddaramaiah intended to allocate houses, suggesting that it might be endorsing the land mafia.
Ashoka expressed fears that this could foster the rise of a “mini Pakistan” and the proliferation of the drug mafia, emphasizing the need to verify the identities of the occupants first.
He accused a Congress leader named Wasim of collecting Rs 4-5 lakh to construct houses, labeling it a Congress-sponsored illegal initiative.
Ashoka criticized Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda for declaring that encroachments would be removed while homes were being built on land designated for waste management.
“Land valued at Rs 650 crore has been transferred to them,” he alleged.
He suggested that Muslims who migrated from Bangladesh were residing there with “fake” Aadhaar cards.
“Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, citing humanitarian grounds, has opted to provide them homes under the Ashraya scheme,” he said.
Ashoka contended that proper procedures under the Ashraya housing initiative had not been observed.
“In Bengaluru alone, encroachments have been eliminated at 40 sites. If houses are constructed on humanitarian grounds across the board, it amounts to encouraging encroachers,” he remarked.
“The Chief Minister himself has acknowledged that they are migrants,” he added.
He highlighted that the state has 17.31 lakh individuals without residential plots and three lakh homeless persons.
“A total of 37.48 lakh people are in line after applying for homes. There is no opportunity for local impoverished individuals, yet the government states it will construct houses for outsiders. I have never witnessed housing schemes approved at such a rapid pace in Karnataka’s history,” he stated.
Ashoka further claimed that compensation is being provided in Kerala for fatalities due to elephant attacks or floods, questioning whether Karnataka had been subjugated to the Kerala government.
He pointed out that even spokespersons from Pakistan have commented on the matter, alleging injustices against Muslims.
“The situation has deteriorated to that extent. A high-level inquiry is necessary to ascertain whether these individuals are Kannadigas or foreigners. Until then, houses should not be allocated to them,” he demanded.
Point of View
It is imperative to approach this matter with balance. The concerns raised by R. Ashoka highlight significant issues surrounding land encroachments and housing policies in Karnataka. While humanitarian considerations are crucial, it is essential to ensure that local citizens are not sidelined in favor of encroachers. The dialogue must focus on governance, transparency, and the rights of all residents.
NationPress
04/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the controversy surrounding the housing for encroachers?
The Karnataka Leader of the Opposition, R. Ashoka, argues that the government's decision to build homes for land encroachers sets a dangerous precedent, potentially empowering the land mafia and leading to societal issues.
What are the claims made by R. Ashoka regarding the land?
Ashoka claims that the land in question was previously uninhabited and that the government is not following due process in its decision to allocate housing to encroachers.
How many people in Karnataka are without homes?
According to Ashoka, there are 17.31 lakh individuals without residential sites and three lakh homeless persons in Karnataka.
What is the Ashraya scheme?
The Ashraya scheme is intended to provide housing to those in need, but Ashoka argues that the criteria for this program are not being appropriately followed.
What did Ashoka say about the government's housing policy?
He criticized the speed of housing approvals for encroachers, suggesting it undermines the needs of local residents who are waiting for housing assistance.
