Land encroached by rich or poor will not be allowed, says Karnataka minister

Bengaluru: Karnataka Revenue Minister R. Ashok stated on Tuesday that no matter what the encroachments will be vacated in Bengaluru by the ruling BJP to avoid flood situations in future.
Talking to reporters, he stated, “On the one hand, rich land sharks are protected by the opposition Congress party. Media is protecting the encroachments made by the poor people.” “Whether it is poor or rich, encroachments will not be allowed to stay,” he said.
“We can’t just see encroachment as whether it is done by a poor or rich man. Every encroachment has to go. The parallel facility for the poor would be made after discussing with the CM Bommai,” he said.
Also Read Karnataka: Environmentalist allegedly died by suicide over ‘corruption’ in PDS Answering a question about the ruling BJP making an anti-encroachment drive as a tool to pursue a political agenda, Minister Ashok maintained that they are just allegations that are common in politics.
The drive will be taken up all across Bengaluru. Presently, the drive is being taken up in Yelahanka and Mahadevapura Zones, he added.
The anti-encroachment drive would be intensified in the coming days. There is no question of coming under influence or favour, he said.