The controversy over the demolition of illegal huts and structures in Kogilu Layout has taken a sharp political turn, with BJP MLA S. R. Vishwanath launching a blistering attack on the Congress-led Karnataka government. Accusing the administration of blatant appeasement politics, Vishwanath warned that any attempt to allot houses to ineligible persons or foreign nationals would be legally challenged and escalated to the governor.
As per the Organiser reports, speaking to the media, Vishwanath said the government had no authority to distribute houses arbitrarily under political pressure. “If houses are given to people from other countries or those who do not meet eligibility norms, we will move the court and submit a detailed complaint to the Hon’ble Governor,” he said, questioning the haste and intent behind the government’s statements.
The MLA dismissed claims that immediate rehabilitation was possible, calling them politically motivated rhetoric. “Are they planning to hand over houses overnight? That is impossible. Anyone claiming to have lived here for five years must submit documentary proof. The government itself has listed 18 mandatory documents. There is no special category that allows rules to be bypassed,” he asserted.
Vishwanath highlighted what he called the Congress’ double standards on citizenship and rehabilitation. “Hindus, Christians, and Sikhs who fled Pakistan and Bangladesh are still struggling without homes. The same Congress and Left parties oppose granting them citizenship. Then why this sudden urgency to provide houses to people who have illegally entered or settled here?” he asked.
He also flagged serious financial irregularities and injustice to genuine beneficiaries. Under existing housing schemes, legally eligible applicants are paying close to ₹10.5 lakh through loans and personal savings. “But in this case, the government is proposing ₹5 lakh from BBMP funds, ₹2.5 lakh from the Minority Welfare Department, and collecting just ₹2.5 lakh from beneficiaries. If this becomes the norm, every citizen will demand houses at ₹2.5 lakh. It will completely destroy the housing system,” he warned.
Pointing to large-scale housing projects, Vishwanath said nearly one lakh houses are under construction across Karnataka, including about 45,000 in and around Bengaluru. “Genuine beneficiaries are paying the full amount, waiting patiently. But here, a select group is being favored. This will become a huge embarrassment for the government and set a dangerous precedent,” he said, adding that the BJP has already begun collecting documents to mount a legal challenge.
The MLA alleged that the entire episode was driven by minority vote-bank appeasement. “Elections are underway in Kerala, and to please minority voters, Congress and the Left are sacrificing Karnataka’s interests,” he alleged, naming Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the Congress leadership. He reiterated that the BJP would fight the issue in court, approach the governor, and launch local-level protests if required.
Making grave allegations, Vishwanath claimed that the illegal huts and houses were not built by destitute families but were part of an organized operation. “Over the last two years, structures were built in phases on BBMP land. Local Congress-linked minority leaders promised houses, collected money, constructed buildings, and even rented them out. Monthly rent was being collected. This was a racket, not poverty-driven shelter,” he alleged.
Clarifying the demolition, Vishwanath said it was carried out strictly as per law. “Notices were issued, and due process was followed. Yet, within two days, statements from the Kerala Chief Minister triggered reactions from the Congress high command, including Randeep Singh Surjewala and K.C. Venugopal. This clearly exposes the political pressure behind the narrative,” he said.
He also drew attention to the plight of Kannadiga beneficiaries under the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Scheme, who have been waiting for over a year after paying the required amount, with houses still not allotted. “Local Kannadigas who trusted this government and voted for freebies are now being taken for a ride. While genuine applicants wait endlessly, the Siddaramaiah government is bending over backwards for illegal settlers and infiltrators,” Vishwanath said, in a scathing remark.
Calling it a betrayal of Karnataka’s people, the BJP MLA said, “This government has shown where its priorities lie. Law-abiding Kannadigas are ignored, while illegal settlements receive extraordinary concern. This is not governance; this is vote-bank politics at its worst.”
