Tue Dec 30 15:37:27 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text and a news article based on it:

Summary:

Following the demolition of homes in Kogilu Layout, Bengaluru, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced alternative flats for those displaced. This decision has sparked strong opposition from the BJP, who demand a probe into the residents’ backgrounds before any allotment. The BJP alleges that the residents are recent encroachers aided by a local Congress leader. The Deputy Chief Minister defends the decision, citing humanitarian grounds and promising action against those who facilitated the encroachment. The government is surveying residents to determine eligibility for housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Scheme. Meanwhile, residents are struggling, many displaced and unable to afford the subsidized rates for the alternative housing. The BJP has also raised concerns about a broader issue of homelessness in the state, citing data and demanding housing for all affected by previous demolition drives.

News Article:

Controversy Erupts Over Kogilu Evictees’ Housing in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, India – December 30, 2025 – A political storm is brewing in Karnataka over Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s decision to provide alternative housing to those recently displaced by a demolition drive in Kogilu Layout. The move has drawn fierce opposition from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who are demanding a halt to the allotment pending an investigation into the evicted residents’ backgrounds.

BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra, speaking in Belagavi, condemned the decision, stating that the party will stage protests. Leader of Opposition R. Ashok labeled the Chief Minister’s decision a “bad precedent,” alleging that the evictees are squatters who were illicitly settled by a local Congress leader.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar defended the government’s position, asserting that the housing provision is a humanitarian gesture under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Scheme for eligible residents. He also promised action against individuals who facilitated the alleged encroachment.

Karnataka Housing Department officials have begun surveying residents in Fakir Colony and Waseem Colony, collecting documentation to assess eligibility.

The BJP is broadening the scope of the debate, arguing that if the Kogilu evictees receive alternative housing, then all those displaced by previous demolition drives in Bengaluru – numbering around 40 – should receive similar assistance. Ashok cited government data revealing nearly 100,000 homeless individuals in Bengaluru Urban district alone.

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council appealed to build low-cost apartments and allot them to migrant labourers from North Karnataka working in the city.

The displaced residents of Kogilu are facing dire circumstances. Sami Ahmed, an auto driver who lost his home, refuted claims of being a recent settler, presenting IDs dating back to 2008. While the government is offering subsidized flats in Byatarayanapura, seven kilometers from Kogilu, the cost of ₹2.5 lakh is prohibitive for many of the impoverished families.

Read More