BJP continues protest over 'alternative site allocation scam'

Continuing their protest for the second day in the Assembly over alleged 'alternative site allocation scam' involving Bengaluru Development Authority, BJP members today staged a walkout accusing the government of shielding the guilty.
BJP persisted with the protest despite assurances from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Bengaluru Development Minister K J George that the system of allotting alternative sites will be stopped and that measures were being taken in this regard.
Not satisfied by government's response to the issue, and it not conceding the demand for a detailed inquiry,BJP members entered the well of the House. Later, they staged a walkout.

Hitting out at BJP, Siddaramaiah accused it for trying to gain "publicity".
He said on the complaint from Congress MLAs, he had formed a committee headed by retired IAS officer Shashidhar, which has now submitted its report and the government has accepted it and was taking action in accordance with it.
Alternative site allocation system involves providing alternative sites to those from whom land has been taken by BDA for providing infrastructure facilities to layouts formed by it like building roads.

The alleged scam relates to fooling of land owners by land sharks by taking GPA of the land. They used to then hand over the land to BDA for development of infrastructure like roads without following any acquisition process.

In return, they used to get alternative land allocated to themselves in the old BDA layouts, where prices are high.
Allegations are that BDA officials have colluded with some land sharks in this.
As the House resumed after lunch BJP members again
entered the well of the House and raised the issue.
Demanding setting up of an inquiry commission or more powers to Shashidhar committee by extending its tenure, BJP MLA Vishwanath said "when Shashidhar committee was formed it was not through notification, the committee did not conduct public hearings to receive complaints and documents from public."
Shettar also questioned about BDA Commissioner being given authority by the government to conduct inquiry and take action against those officials under him involved in the scam.

Stating that there is no requirement for another inquiry, George said Shashidhar committee has done detailed probe and has submitted the report which has been accepted by the government which was acting on it.
Unhappy with the Minister's response, Shettar accused the government of trying to cover up the scam and protect those involved. BJP members then walked out of the House.
Siddaramaiah said about 1600 such alternative sites were given during BJP rule, whereas only 373 were allotted under the present regime.