Tirthahalli MLA Araga Jnanendra criticises Congress leaders on ESA issue

Former Tirthahalli MLA and BJP member Araga Jnanendra accused Congress leaders of misleading the public regarding the Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) notification for the Western Ghats, claiming the decision was politically motivated. Speaking at a press conference in Shivamogga, he argued that both the Madhav Gadgil and K. Kasturirangan committees were established under Congress rule at the Centre, and that the UPA government had first issued the notification for public objections.

Jnanendra accused Congress leaders of hiding these facts and of being politically driven in their stance. He also criticized former Minister Kimmane Rathnakar for remaining silent when the Congress government formed those committees but now raising the issue against the BJP-led Central government. Regarding Madhu Bangarappa, Bangarappa's Minister for School Education, Jnanendra questioned his understanding of the issue and urged the State government to conduct a survey similar to Kerala's to identify human habitations and farmland for exclusion from the ESA.

He urged the government to hold a special legislature session to address the matter, stating that all BJP members would participate in the debate. Jnanendra welcomed Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar's decision to hold the session and emphasized that the State government would need to make a decision after consulting all parties. He criticized the Shivakumar-led government for not showing notable achievements in their first 100 days and alleged corruption at its peak, claiming that those in power were misusing the people's mandate.