Bengaluru, July 10 (IANS) Karnataka BJP President and MLA, B.Y. Vijayendra, on Friday accused the Karnataka government of deliberately delaying elections to local bodies, including the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and zilla panchayats, and alleged that the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls was being used as a pretext to postpone the civic polls.

It can be noted that the Karnataka government has sought an extension from the Supreme Court till December 31 to conduct elections to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) civic corporations, citing the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls.

Addressing reporters, Vijayendra alleged that the state government had no intention of conducting elections to local bodies.

“The government has no intention of holding elections to the Greater Bengaluru Authority or zilla panchayats. It is now using the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise as an excuse to once again postpone the GBA elections. It is unfortunate,” he said.

He also alleged that the government was not in a position to undertake a Cabinet expansion because of its internal political situation.

Commenting on the eviction of street vendors, Vijayendra said the government should provide alternative arrangements before removing them from public places.

“Street vendors play an important role in strengthening the economy. Instead of evicting poor vendors overnight, the government should have made alternative arrangements for them. It is the government’s responsibility to protect their interests,” he said.

The BJP leader also criticised the functioning of the state administration, claiming that a large number of official files remained pending.

“If 80,000 files are still pending, it reflects the state of governance in Karnataka. The Chief Minister has completed one month in office with great enthusiasm. At least now, he should rectify the failures of the past three years and focus on governance and the welfare of farmers,” Vijayendra said.

On the Karnataka government’s proposal to issue Permanent Residency Certificates (PRCs), Vijayendra alleged that it was part of a conspiracy to protect illegal immigrants.

“There is a conspiracy to shield illegal immigrants by issuing Permanent Residency Certificates. We urge the Chief Minister to withdraw this decision, which is aimed at minority appeasement and is against the national interest,” he alleged.

Vijayendra said the BJP opposed the proposal to issue Permanent Residency Certificates and would launch a public awareness campaign against the move in the coming days.

–IANS

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