MLA's assurance: Protestors withdraw stir

Jeevaraj had given assurance that a meeting will be convened by the Deputy Commissioner and Deputy Registrar to discuss the issue with dalit leaders on January 5.

Later, speaking to reporters, Jeevaraj said that RTCs were distributed to 28 scheduled caste and scheduled tribe members, who had submitted Form 50-53 in 2007-08. Though about 209 dalit families were residing in Chikkagrahara Forest jurisdiction, authorities did not make effort to clear them off. Officials will reclaim only those lands, which were encroached recently, he said adding that action will not be initiated against old encroachers.

The process of distribution of title deeds to pourakarmikas of Bavikatte in its final stage. Land suitable for cultivation will be given to those families of Medarabeedi, who were sanctioned land in Bhadra backwater region, he said.

Villagers should not occupy land reserved for Morarji School at Lingapura village in the taluk. Action will be initiated to distribute title deeds to land for applicants who have submitted Form 50-53 after necessary verifications, he added.

“Why the opposition party, which is participating in Dalits’ protest, could not distribute land when they were in power,” Jeevaraj questioned. Further, he clarified that the allegations of land occupation by MLA is far from truth.

Talking about the recent Legislative Council poll results, he said that BJP has bagged good number of seats as expected. The party which could not win atleast one seat in 2003 has bagged 10 seats.

The party has bagged 1,200 votes, even when its official strength is 450 in the district, he said adding that the party has been strengthened in the district.

Answering to a query, Jeevaraj said that the Department of Mines and Geology will take
appropriate action, if unauthorised quarrying was found at Lingapur in the taluk. Party spokesperson Nilesh, leaders Manu and Ashish Kumar were present.