Bengaluru, June 30 (UNI) BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanswamy, today alleged that land belonging to Dalits are being unlawfully taken over and transferred to the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB).
He also accused Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh of remaining inaccessible despite repeated attempts to seek her intervention.
Speaking to the media ahead of a planned protest in front of the Chief Secretary's office, Narayanswamy said, "Whenever we try to raise critical issues, we are unable to meet her. She is always said to be with the Chief Minister. We understand there may be official commitments, but she is the Chief Secretary of the state, not the Chief Minister. There are several secretaries under her—why must she intervene in every matter?"
He alleged that the Chief Secretary’s constant involvement in all affairs and her unavailability had made it impossible for elected representatives to communicate people’s grievances.
“She doesn’t even stay in her office. What are we supposed to do in such a situation?” he asked.
Narayanswamy highlighted ongoing land issues in the Kadugodi branch and surrounding areas, alleging that Dalit-owned lands—high-value properties—are being taken away under the pretext of forest classification and handed over to KIADB. “Who gave permission for this? These are lands belonging to Dalits and farmers. If the farmers are the rightful owners, why are their lands being grabbed?”
He also questioned the selective use of "forest land" classification. “If it’s all forest land, then why is Bengaluru expanding into the same areas?” he remarked.
He said BJP leaders had been trying to reach the Chief Secretary for over a week. “We’ve called her, written letters, and even gone to her residence. Every time, we’re told she’s either not available or with the CM. But upon checking, we find that’s not true either.”
“Since all democratic means have failed, we are compelled to protest in front of her office today,” he declared.
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