A demolition drive in Kogila Layout near Yelahanka in Bengaluru has triggered a major political controversy, exposing unease within the Congress while also bringing Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar—often seen as rivals—onto the same page in a rare show of unity.
Evictions Spark Political and Humanitarian Debate
The controversy arose after several families were evicted on December 20 from Kogila Layout, an area identified by the state government as unsuitable for habitation due to its use as a solid waste disposal and quarry site. The action drew criticism from within the Congress and sharp attacks from outside the state, particularly from Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
Siddaramaiah Defends Action, Cites Safety Concerns
Responding to the criticism, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the demolition was lawful and unavoidable, stressing that residents had illegally erected shelters despite repeated notices.
“Several people had illegally erected makeshift shelters at the waste-disposal site in Kogila Layout. It is not a place suitable for human habitation,” the chief minister said in a post on X.
He added that authorities were instructed to provide temporary shelter, food, and essential support to the displaced families, noting that many of them are migrant workers. The government, he said, would ensure assistance on humanitarian grounds.
Rejecting the “bulldozer justice” label, Siddaramaiah stated, “There is a fundamental difference between bulldozer justice and the lawful removal of illegal encroachments.”
Pinarayi Vijayan’s Criticism Escalates Row
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan criticised the demolitions at Faqir Colony and Waseem Layout, calling them an example of “bulldozer raj” and alleging that minority families were targeted.
He described the demolitions as “extremely shocking and painful” and accused the Karnataka government of adopting a “North Indian bulldozer justice model,” urging secular forces to oppose what he termed a dangerous trend.
DK Shivakumar Pushes Back Strongly
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar also responded sharply, saying Vijayan had commented without understanding ground realities.
“The place is a quarry pit for solid waste disposal. A notification was issued nine years ago. We will not allow land mafia to build slums. Bulldozer culture is not ours,” Shivakumar said, urging Vijayan not to interfere in Karnataka’s internal matters without full knowledge of the facts.
Congress Flags Concerns Over Sensitivity
Amid the escalating row, AICC general secretary KC Venugopal expressed concern over the manner in which the demolitions were carried out. He said he had spoken to both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, urging that such actions be taken with greater caution, sensitivity, and compassion, keeping the human impact at the centre.
Protests and Opposition
Meanwhile, a delegation led by CPI(M) MP AA Rahim visited the affected area and termed the action “anti-minority.” Protests were also held by the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) and local residents in Yelahanka, demanding immediate rehabilitation and basic facilities for the displaced families.
As reactions continue to pour in, the Bengaluru demolition drive has highlighted internal tensions within the Congress while sharpening political confrontation between leaders across states.
