Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, March 12: Karnataka BJP has raised serious concerns in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly about the Congress government’s inability to tackle illegal immigration in the state. The issue was brought up by BJP MLA Manappa D Vajjal from Lingasugur, who questioned the accuracy of official government statistics regarding the number of illegal immigrants.

According to the Congress-led government's official data, there are only 556 illegal immigrants in the entire state. However, Vajjal claimed that in Vijayapura district alone, there are around 13,000 illegal immigrants settled. He stated, "If one district has 13,000 illegal immigrants, the actual number across the state must be in the lakhs," emphasising the discrepancy between the official numbers and the reality.

Vajjal further alleged that these illegal immigrants had obtained government-issued documents, including ration cards and voter IDs, which made it difficult to identify them as foreigners. "These immigrants are involved in drug peddling and narcotics-related activities, misleading local youth," Vajjal added.

"The data available with the government is inaccurate. I urge the Home Minister to identify illegal immigrants across all districts. More importantly, the officials responsible for providing them with government documents should be identified. Bengaluru and Karnataka are globally recognised, and illegal immigrants are harming the state's reputation," he stressed.

BJP General Secretary and MLA, V. Sunil Kumar, echoed Vajjal’s concerns, stating that illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Pakistan posed a threat to national security. "The Rohingyas who have settled here are engaging in criminal activities. However, the government’s statistics claim that there are only 556 illegal immigrants in the entire state. This issue needs to be discussed for at least 30 minutes. They are settling in places like Kodagu and Bengaluru, and the government should not take this matter lightly," he said.

Sunil Kumar pointed out that these illegal immigrants had been settling in Karnataka for the past two decades and warned that the government could not ignore the growing issue.

Leader of the Opposition, R. Ashoka, also raised his concerns, stating, "Illegal immigration is a serious issue, especially in Bengaluru. We are talking about people coming and settling here from Bangladesh. Additionally, individuals from countries like Nigeria are involved in drug peddling, with drugs being supplied from there. These immigrants are even attacking the police. Bangladeshi immigrants have managed to obtain all the necessary paperwork. We need a detailed discussion on this matter in the House."

In response, Speaker U.T. Khader assured that he would consider allowing a comprehensive discussion on the issue and directed Home Minister G. Parameshwara to provide clarification.

Last week, the Karnataka government stated that there were 137 illegal immigrants in the state, including nationals from Bangladesh and Pakistan, and assured that authorities were constantly monitoring their activities. Of the 137 illegal immigrants identified, 25 were Pakistani nationals.

During a discussion in the Assembly on the growing issue of illegal immigration, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara confirmed that 137 illegal immigrants from various countries, including Bangladesh and Pakistan, had been identified, arrested, and legal action had been initiated against them.