BENGALURU: Hundreds of citizens gathered at Town Hall on Saturday to vent their anger and register protest against the BBMP demolitions and to demand justice and accountability from the government.
Participating in a programme hosted by a city-based organisation, residents spoke about the corruption in BBMP, and how corrupt government officials and the land mafia have completely taken over the city and the administration itself.
The citizens also signed a petition. Former MLA A T Ramaswamy, who is convener of the anti-land grabbing action committee, said, “The government is unable to protect Bengaluru from the land mafia and builders’ lobby. Government officials are involved in looting the city and it is foolhardy to expect the same officials to protect the city.”
“The attempts of the government to target poor and helpless citizens is barbaric and uncivilised. They are sparing the rich and wealthy. While the houses of poor were demolished without giving them any opportunity even to relocate, the rich and wealthy were given notices and now attempts are being made to spare them,” he added.
V Balasubramanian, former Additional Chief Secretary, said, “The government should follow the Supreme Court’s advice for creating a welfare fund out of heavy penalties, which may be imposed on builders who have misused the trust of homebuyers. The government should also look to replace corrupt officials with honest and sincere ones.”
Former Assembly Speaker Krishna said, “It is high time to invoke the summary enquiry clause and punish or dismiss corrupt officials. This should happen within six months. Action needs to be taken as the citizens have no patience.”
“While I have my doubts that the government will even touch the builders, what can be done is to bring transparency by publishing the maps in each and every ward,” he added.
Freedom fighter H S Doreswamy said, “The demolitions are commendable. However, it is better late than never. All of us know that everyone is part of this nexus. People who have done wrong must be punished and jailed. Builders have been successful in demoralising the system and hence have clean records quoting CREDAI’s statement and arguments made on Friday.”
Others who spoke include Jaynagar MLA B N Vijayakumar, AAP convener Prithvi Reddy and and former additional advocate general Sajan Poovayya.