The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : BJP demands CBI probe into encroachments

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jul 20, 2005

Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

BJP demands CBI probe into encroachments

Special Correspondent

In thelegislature The land mafia has grabbed properties of the poor, says Yediyurappa

BANGALORE: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the main Opposition party, renewed its demand in the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the large-scale encroachment of government land in and around Bangalore.

The Leader of the Opposition, B.S. Yediyurappa, who had given a notice of an adjournment motion on the issue, said the Government has, in collusion with the land mafia, allowed encroachment of several thousand acres.

While the former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda has alleged that nearly 45,000 acres of land have been encroached upon, the Revenue Minister, M.P. Prakash, has put the figure at 33,000 acres. Rather than listen to the charges being levelled against the leaders of the coalition partner, the people will appreciate an inquiry into them, Mr. Yediyurappa said.

He said Mr. Deve Gowda and Mr. Prakash should ensure that the charges are referred to the CBI.

If leaders of ruling parties are involved in land scams, the Government has no moral right to continue in the office, Mr. Yediyurappa said. Land prices in Bangalore have skyrocketed in recent years, and the land mafia has grabbed open spaces and properties of the poor.

The Janata Dal (Secular), which promised action against the culprits involved in the land scam in its election manifesto, has been maintaining silence since it joined hands with the Congress to form the Government, Mr. Yediyurappa said. He said 200 acres of government land has been given to a private firm at a low price at Bidadi, and many developers have grabbed land in Ramanagaram and Anekal taluks.

The lease of land in the case of several hotels in Bangalore has not been renewed and they have stopped monthly payments to the Government, he added.

Vatal Nagaraj (Kannada Chaluvali Paksha) said if the encroached lands are auctioned, a huge amount can be mobilised. Several educational institutions, information technology firms and resorts have grabbed land in the city, he said and demanded that Mr. Prakash table a White Paper in the House.

Mr. Prakash said an adjournment motion should be used as a last resort by the Opposition.

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