In a bold political move, the Karnataka BJP has fired off a strongly worded letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging an immediate NIA investigation into what they term ‘illegal settlements’ across the state. This development comes amid rising tensions over land encroachments and alleged violations of security protocols in sensitive areas.
The letter, penned by senior BJP leaders including state president BY Vijayendra, highlights a series of encroachments on government and forest lands that have reportedly spiraled out of control under the current Congress administration. ‘These illegal bastis pose a grave threat to national security and must be probed by the NIA to uncover any terror links or organized crime syndicates,’ the letter states emphatically.
Karnataka has witnessed numerous protests and clashes over unauthorized constructions in recent months, particularly in border districts and urban fringes. BJP lawmakers argue that local authorities have turned a blind eye, allowing these settlements to flourish unchecked. They cite specific instances in Bengaluru outskirts and coastal regions where hundreds of acres have been illegally occupied.
The demand for NIA intervention marks a significant escalation, as opposition parties accuse the state government of shielding encroachers for vote-bank politics. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar dismissed the allegations as ‘frivolous BJP tactics’ aimed at derailing development projects. However, BJP insists that only a central agency like NIA can deliver impartial justice.
As the monsoon season approaches, fears of flooding in these vulnerable settlements are mounting. The BJP letter also calls for immediate eviction drives and rehabilitation only for genuine displaced families, not those involved in fraudulent claims. Political analysts see this as BJP’s strategy to corner the Congress ahead of upcoming local elections.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s office has acknowledged receipt of the letter, but no official response has been issued yet. With Karnataka’s law and order under scrutiny, all eyes are on whether this plea will trigger a high-level probe. The saffron party’s aggressive stance underscores their commitment to rooting out illegal encroachments that they claim undermine the state’s security fabric.
