Bengaluru: The Kogilu layout controversy is taking a fresh turn with the opposition intensifying its attack on the Congress-led Karnataka government. Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka on December 30, held a high-profile press conference and released satellite images and official documents, alleging that the state government had deliberately facilitated illegal house construction on government land and was now attempting to legitimise it under the guise of “humanitarian rehabilitation”.
During a joint press meet, Ashoka displayed satellite images and claimed that the disputed land in Kogilu Hobli was completely vacant as recently as 2023. “As per satellite imagery and Google Maps data, there were no houses at this location in 2023. The question is simple: how did dozens of houses suddenly come up within a matter of months?” he asked, accusing the government of shielding illegal activity.
Ashoka said official land records show that Kogilu Hobli originally comprised 14 acres and 38 guntas of government land. Of this, five acres had already been transferred to the municipal corporation, while the remaining 9 acres and 38 guntas were earmarked for public infrastructure projects.
“There was a plan to utilise this land for solid waste management, including a sanitary pad burning plant, with an allocation of nearly Rs 100 crore. Instead of serving public interest, the government has allowed this land to be encroached upon and houses to be built for illegal migrants,” he alleged.
Raising serious concerns about the occupants’ identity, Ashoka said there was strong suspicion that those who had built houses in Kogilu were illegal residents. “There is a well-known racket where, for Rs 20,000, Aadhaar and ration cards are arranged for people entering West Bengal from Bangladesh. From there, they are brought to cities like Bengaluru. There is every reason to believe that those settled here are not even Indian citizens,” he claimed.
ಕರ್ನಾಟಕವನ್ನು ಕೇರಳ ಸರ್ಕಾರ ಆಳ್ವಿಕೆ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಿದೆಯೇ ? ರಾಜ್ಯ ಸರ್ಕಾರವನ್ನು ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್ ಹೈಕಮಾಂಡ್ ಏಜೆಂಟ್ ವೇಣುಗೋಪಾಲ್ ನಡೆಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆಯೇ ? ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದ ಜಮೀನಿನ ಮೇಲೆ ಕೇರಳ ಸರ್ಕಾರದ ಅಧಿಕಾರವಿದೆಯೇ?
ಕೇರಳದ ನಿಯೋಗ ರಾಜ್ಯದ ವಿಷಯದಲ್ಲಿ ವರದಿ ಕೇಳುವಂತಾಗಿದೆ ಎಂದರೆ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದ ನೆಲ, ಜಲದ ಮೇಲೆ ಕಾಳಜಿ ಇಲ್ಲದಿರುವ ನಾಡದ್ರೋಹಿ… pic.twitter.com/HOLbkXDd3S
— R. Ashoka (@RAshokaBJP) December 29, 2025
He criticised Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s announcement that housing would be provided to the Kogilu residents on humanitarian grounds under a housing scheme. “The Chief Minister himself has said they are not locals. Then on what basis are instructions being given to Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, the GBA and other officials to provide houses?” Ashoka questioned.
The BJP leader further said the land in question had earlier been leased out as a stone quarry and later used as a quarry pit. “It was later handed over for waste disposal. Now, soil has been dumped into a water-filled quarry, and houses have been built in the last six months. The claim that people have lived here for 20 or 25 years is completely false, as proven by satellite images,” he asserted.
Ashoka alleged that a local Congress leader, Wasim, had collected between Rs 4 lakh per house and facilitated illegal construction. “This is not random encroachment. This is Congress-sponsored illegal housing,” he charged.
To bolster his claims, Ashoka released copies of official correspondence, including a letter dated September 12, 2025, from the Yelahanka tahsildar to the BBMP joint commissioners and land records officials. The letter had flagged unauthorised construction on government land and sought a detailed report and action.
“Despite clear warnings from revenue authorities, no action was taken. Instead, the government looked the other way and allowed construction to continue,” he said, questioning the selective enforcement of the law.
Ashoka also questioned the alleged role of AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal in the matter. “Who is K.C. Venugopal to instruct the Karnataka government on how to resolve the Kogilu issue or distribute houses? Local MLAs and statutory committees exist for this purpose. The area MLA, Krishna Byre Gowda, is abroad. Then under whose authority are these decisions being taken?” he asked.
The opposition leader highlighted the broader housing crisis in the state, noting that over 37 lakh people have applied for government housing. More than seven lakh people in rural areas and over ten lakh in urban areas are waiting for houses. Our own people do not have shelter. Why is special compassion being shown only to Kogilu residents?” he demanded.
Ashoka warned that granting houses to Kogilu residents under a new legal framework would set a dangerous precedent and encourage future encroachments. “If this decision stands, it will become an invitation for land grabbing across Karnataka,” he cautioned.
