Sirsi: No MP from the State has, so far, raised their voice before Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding giving justice to forest encroachers. They lack that courage itself,” criticised Congress leader Madhu Bangarappa.

He told media persons here on Thursday that the number of forest cultivators is more in the State and those who cultivated for generations and applied under the Forest Rights Act are being rejected.

“The State government has failed to understand the seriousness of the situation,” he said.

Lakhs of families would be benefited if the Union government gives some concessions related to forest rights. But, the State MPs are not trying to convince the Centre over this. They lack the courage as they won the elections on Modi’s name rather than on their own strength, Madhu alleged.

Instead of creating divisions in the society in the name of caste and religion, development-based issues should be discussed in the State.

“The Congress party is engaged in an issue-based struggle. We would reach the people with development-oriented issues,” he added.