Bengaluru, June 14: Karnataka’s Leader of the Opposition and senior BJP leader R. Ashoka has accused the state government of confiscating fertile land from farmers to promote large-scale projects.
In a post shared on the social media platform ‘X’, Ashoka criticized the government for its contradictory stance on environmental priorities. He pointed out that while the government speaks of ‘Green Over Greed’, it is simultaneously acquiring over 498 acres of fertile agricultural land from 755 small farming families for real estate projects.
Ashoka has urged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to intervene, stating that he has written to him regarding this matter. He called on Gandhi to hold his own party’s state government accountable and to protect the interests of farmers. The BJP leader emphasized the urgent need for action to safeguard the rights of vulnerable and small farmers.
Additionally, Ashoka made public a letter addressed to a high-level review committee, raising serious questions about a ₹39,437 crore solid waste management tender linked to Bengaluru. He requested the committee to present an impartial report, keeping public interest and conscience in mind.
The letter highlighted that this issue extends beyond a mere tender; it is connected to Bengaluru’s future, financial stability, and the welfare of millions of citizens. Ashoka claimed that the state’s finance department has raised concerns regarding the project’s costs, annual cost escalations, a 30-year long discounted period, and potential monopolies.
He warned that if the proposed five percent annual cost increase continues, the project’s cost could multiply over the next three decades, ultimately burdening taxpayers. He also noted that Bengaluru’s citizens are already shouldering various taxes and fees, thus every decision involving public funds must be made with full transparency and accountability.
Ashoka urged committee members to work free from any political or administrative pressure. He stated that the committee’s report would not just be a document for the government but could serve as a cornerstone for decisions impacting Bengaluru’s future. He expressed hope that the committee would fulfill its responsibilities with fairness, integrity, and courage, prioritizing the city’s long-term interests.
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