Intro
BJP leader urges government response after fresh claims surface
BENGALURU
Opposition Leader R. Ashoka demanded a clarification from the Congress government, alleging that individuals residing at Kogilu Cross have been proven to be Bangladeshi nationals.
Addressing reporters in the city, Ashoka said that during his earlier visit to Kogilu Cross, it was established that the occupants were from Bangladesh. He accused the Congress government of initially dismissing the Bharatiya Janata Party’s claims and proceeding to announce housing benefits for the residents.
“At that time, the government, listening to Rahul Gandhi, declared that houses would be provided to everyone there. The Housing Minister even went a step further and promised homes. Now it has been revealed that they are frauds,” Ashoka alleged.
He further claimed that Congress leaders had accused the BJP of making baseless allegations, but recent developments had vindicated his party’s stand. Ashoka also alleged that the housing announcement was aimed at consolidating minority votes ahead of elections in Kerala.
The BJP leader asserted that if his party had not raised the issue, land worth ₹300 crore would have been allotted to “Bangladeshi residents.” “The BJP’s fight has succeeded. Now the Chief Minister and other Congress leaders must clarify their earlier statements,” he said, referring to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Ashoka also levelled fresh allegations related to the alleged ₹3,000 crore MUDA scam, claiming that an official who had assisted the Congress had been rewarded with a prominent post to stall the investigation.
Responding earlier, Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan had stated that, according to available information, there were no Bangladeshis in Kogilu Layout. He said houses would be allotted only after thorough verification of documents and strictly to eligible residents of Karnataka.
The controversy has sparked a political exchange, with the opposition pressing for transparency and the government maintaining that due process is being followed.