Madikeri: Congress leader and Virajpet MLA AS Ponnanna has accused the BJP of politicising recent deaths caused by elephant attacks in Kodagu by threatening to stage protests instead of helping resolve the crisis.Speaking to reporters here on Saturday, Ponnanna said he was saddened by the three recent deaths reported in Bettathur, Siddapur and Kushalnagar. He said the state govt has already taken steps and held a meeting under the leadership of the forest minister to discuss measures to prevent elephant-human conflict.Ponnanna questioned what action BJP functionaries had taken when similar deaths occurred during the tenure of that party MLAs in Kodagu. He said more deaths took place during that period, but the Congress, then in opposition, did not resort to “politics over death” or demand resignations.He also criticised the Centre over funding, saying that although Rs 290 crore was allocated under the Elephant Scheme and Tiger Scheme, Karnataka has not received any direct assistance for elephant menace control, while neighbouring Kerala has received substantial support. He said Kodagu backed the BJP for nearly 25 years, yet the Centre failed to respond to the district’s problems, Ponnanna claimed.According to Ponnanna, Rs 298 crore more is needed for preventive measures, and 70% of funds under central wildlife schemes remain unspent. He urged the BJP to secure these funds instead of making allegations.He said the forest department has been given vehicles and other facilities, and work to identify and capture troublesome elephants would continue. If there is negligence by forest officials, action will be taken, he added.Ponnanna also condemned alleged misconduct during protests, including disrespect towards a woman officer and preventing the removal of a dead body.
