Kogilu encroachment: ‘Not ready to give gifts to encroachers’

Bengaluru

Deputy Chief Minister (Dy.CM) D K Shivakumar on Tuesday said the Karnataka government was not prepared to give any “gifts” to those who have illegally encroached upon land, making it clear that appeasement politics would not be entertained in the Kogilu encroachment case.

Speaking to reporters near his Sadashivanagar residence, Shivakumar said no one has the right to encroach upon government land. “Those who have carried out illegal encroachments should not expect gifts from the government. There is no question of appeasement politics,” he said.

Responding to opposition allegations that the government was indulging in appeasement, the Dy.CM said strict legal action would be taken against those responsible for the encroachments. He pointed out that local residents themselves had stated that some individuals had collected money in the area. “On humanitarian grounds, houses will be provided under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana only to those who are eligible,” he said.

Shivakumar said claims that ownership documents had been issued in some parts earlier would be verified. He added that people from outside had also recently moved into the area. “Documents will be scrutinised to identify genuine local voters. Rehabilitation will be provided only to those who qualify,” he said.

Reacting to criticism from some Kerala MPs over his remarks that there should be no interference from Kerala in Karnataka’s affairs, Shivakumar said the state government knew how to handle its own issues. “We will not allow illegal encroachments. Those who failed to honour promises made during floods need not advise us,” he said.

On remarks by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister on the Kogilu issue, Shivakumar said senior leaders at the national level would respond.

He also said officials would verify reports of affected persons possessing Aadhaar cards and voter identity cards from two states, reiterating that houses would be given only to eligible local residents with valid addresses, and that there was no question of regularising illegal settlements.