Kottayam, Aug. 28 -- BJP today alleged that the recent amendment to the Kerala Land Reforms Act has portrayed settlers in Idukki as encroachers while imposing new burdens that threaten to cripple the district's trade and tourism sectors.
Addressing a press conference here, BJP Kerala Vice-President Adv. Shone George said the amendment, which regularises unauthorised constructions carried out until June 7, 2024, simultaneously deems buildings constructed thereafter as illegal.
"This will inevitably open the door to large-scale corruption, as people will be forced to pay bribes to legitimise their buildings," he alleged.
The BJP leaders pointed out that a heavy penalty has been stipulated for buildings above 3,000 sq. ft. "Even those who h...