20-JUN-2025, 01:30PM
In a fiery statement that stirred the political landscape in Karnataka, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla has leveled serious allegations against the Congress-led state government, accusing it of being involved in a large-scale housing scam. Describing it as the “khatakhat jhoot and loot model,” Poonawalla claimed that thousands of crores meant for the poor under housing schemes have either been misused or siphoned off through fake beneficiary lists and inflated contracts.
The remarks by Shehzad Poonawalla come at a time when the Congress government is already battling criticism over its handling of infrastructure and welfare programs in the state. With the Lok Sabha elections drawing nearer, the allegations have become a new flashpoint between the BJP and Congress in Karnataka.
Shehzad Poonawalla Slams Karnataka Congress Over Alleged Housing Scam
‘Khatakhat Loot and Lies’ – A Harsh Rebuke by Shehzad Poonawalla
While addressing the media at a BJP press conference in New Delhi, Shehzad Poonawalla laid out what he called “evidence of deep-rooted corruption” in Karnataka’s housing sector. He claimed that several beneficiaries listed under the Basava Vasati Yojana and other state housing initiatives were either non-existent or politically connected individuals receiving undue benefits.
“This is not a government of guarantees; it is a government of scams and schemes. What they are offering is not homes for the homeless, but opportunities for loot under the guise of welfare,” said Poonawalla. He further claimed that the Congress model is all about making big promises with swift lies—what he termed the “khatakhat model.”
The BJP leader called for an independent probe into the matter and demanded the resignation of key ministers in the Siddaramaiah-led state government who are allegedly linked to the scam.
Details of the Housing Scam as Alleged by Shehzad Poonawalla
Shehzad Poonawalla Claims Fake Beneficiaries and Tender Manipulation
According to Shehzad Poonawalla, BJP’s internal investigation has revealed a widespread pattern of fraud in Karnataka’s state-run housing schemes. Some of the key claims include:
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Inflated beneficiary lists containing ghost names and duplicate entries.
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Tender rigging and favoritism in the awarding of housing construction contracts.
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Substandard construction materials used in approved projects.
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Diversion of central funds under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) for party-related agendas.
Poonawalla said that while thousands of poor families continue to wait for their promised homes, politicians and contractors are enriching themselves at the taxpayer’s expense.
He accused the Congress of “selling hope and delivering fraud,” and argued that the scam, if investigated thoroughly, would rival some of the biggest corruption scandals seen in the state in recent years.
Congress Responds: Calls Allegations Baseless and Politically Motivated
Karnataka Ministers Defend Housing Schemes
Soon after the allegations made headlines, Congress leaders from Karnataka dismissed Shehzad Poonawalla’s accusations as baseless. Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan addressed the media and called the charges “a desperate attempt by the BJP to shift focus from its failures at the Centre.”
“We have followed every guideline in implementing the housing schemes. If BJP has evidence, let them submit it to the Lokayukta or the courts,” said Khan.
Congress leaders also pointed out that many of the housing schemes in question were initiated during previous BJP regimes and alleged that it is the BJP that should be held accountable for mismanagement and delays.
Political Repercussions and the Road to 2024
Shehzad Poonawalla’s Attack Signals BJP’s Karnataka Strategy
With Karnataka being a critical battleground state for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Shehzad Poonawalla’s allegations appear to be part of a broader strategy by the BJP to corner Congress on corruption and governance issues.
Poonawalla, who has emerged as one of the BJP’s prominent national voices, especially on media panels, has consistently taken a combative approach toward opposition parties. His statement reflects the BJP’s intent to keep the Congress-led Karnataka government on the defensive through 2024.
The housing scam allegations could potentially mobilize voter sentiment in urban and rural pockets where housing remains a major concern for economically weaker sections.
Public Reaction and Media Coverage
Allegations Dominate News Cycles and Social Media Trends
The housing scam row quickly dominated political discussions across television news channels and social media. Hashtags like #KarnatakaHousingScam, #ShehzadPoonawalla, and #CongressScamModel trended on Twitter (X), with users sharing videos, infographics, and media bytes from the press conference.
Several media outlets have begun investigating the claims, and public interest has surged around issues of transparency and accountability in public housing schemes.
Citizens groups and RTI activists have also expressed concern and are calling for increased scrutiny of housing allotments and expenditure under state-run programs.
Conclusion: What Comes Next in the Karnataka Housing Scam Controversy
As of now, no formal probe has been initiated into the allegations raised by Shehzad Poonawalla, but the political firestorm it has triggered is unlikely to die down soon. With elections approaching, this issue is expected to remain at the center of BJP’s Karnataka narrative.
Whether these accusations lead to an official investigation or fizzle out as another war of words remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Shehzad Poonawalla has once again positioned himself as a sharp and unapologetic voice of the BJP, making headlines and influencing the national political discourse.
Source : ANI
