Dharwad:  Revenue Minister R V Deshpande, who is also the district in-charge minister, took the forest officials to task for trying to evict the poor forest dwellers from the forest.

During the public grievance redressal meeting here, a group of forest dwellers complained that the officials were trying to push them out of the forest area.

Speaking to media persons after the meeting, he said: “I don’t mind if you open fire on forest smugglers. But I can’t tolerate, if you disturb the poor forest dwellers,” he told the officials.

He said, people from Kalghatgi and Kavadbail are visiting his house everyday and appealing not to evict them. The previous Congress government had passed an order not to evict the farmers who own less than three acre land. These forest officials do not even respect the government order, he fumed.

“Do not try to act smart or play pranks with me. I know all the tricks of the officials and if any poor is troubled, the officials will face severe consequences,” said Deshpande.

On Pulwama incident

Speaking on Pulwama incident, the minister said, no political party should take the credit of the air-strike and everyone should boost the morale of the Indian defence forces, he said.

On Lok Sabha polls, Deshpande said, there are media reports that there are several aspirants to contest from the Congress party. This is a positive development in the party which means that the strength of the party has increased. Seeking ticket is not wrong, but the party high command will judge the capacity of the person and allot ticket, he said.