Bengaluru: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has raised objections against the decision of the Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government to allocate two acres of land, valued at over Rs 500 crore, to the Minority Welfare Department, terming it as ‘land jihad’.
Addressing the media, Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka expressed concern over the allocation, particularly questioning the choice of land belonging to the Department of Animal Husbandry. He emphasized that while the BJP doesn’t oppose the allocation of vacant land, handing over property meant for animal welfare raised significant concerns.
Taking to social media, Ashoka posted in Kannada, denouncing the move as “Congress sarkarada land jihad” (Congress government’s land jihad). He directed criticism towards Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, questioning the necessity of appeasing Muslims by allocating prime land in Bengaluru, originally designated for animal healthcare services.
Ashoka highlighted the closure of a government veterinary hospital, which he claimed served both cattle and other animals, and questioned the decision to transfer it to the Minority Welfare Department. He vehemently opposed the handover of land worth Rs 500 crore and labeled the government’s actions as ‘land jihad’.
The Karnataka government’s decision, dated February 26, to allocate the two-acre plot in the Chalawadipalya Ward of the Chamrajpet Assembly constituency for the construction of Moulana Azad/Morarji Desai Residential Schools for Minority Welfare Department, has sparked controversy and drawn criticism from the opposition BJP.
