The demolition drive carried out on the outskirts of Bengaluru has created a controversy in political circles, leading to divisions within the Congress and sharp criticism from the BJP. The BJP described this action as an attempt by the Congress central leadership to put pressure on the state and termed it an example of running the state under the diktats of Delhi.
When did the controversy start?
The controversy started when Congress general secretary KC Venugopal intervened in the eviction of residents in Kogilu village near Yelahanka. Many families were displaced by this action and local people and political groups started protesting.
Venugopal spoke to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and expressed his concern over the method of demolition. He stressed the need to take decisions with greater sensitivity and compassion and said that human aspects should be kept paramount in governance decisions.
According to Venugopal, both the leaders assured him that arrangements would be made for rehabilitation and relief of the affected families. However, BJP rejected this interference by Congress. "high command culture" Gave an example of. Senior BJP leader R Ashok accused Venugopal of interfering in the state administration and called it an insult to federalism. He linked it to the situation of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi publicly interrupting the leaders of Karnataka.
Ashok raised the question whether the state governments are following the instructions of Delhi and the Congress High Command is giving instructions to its leaders at the state level. BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra also alleged that the power struggle in the Congress has concentrated the decision-making power in the hands of the high command, thereby ignoring the electoral rights of the people of Karnataka.
Protests at the grassroots level also intensified. The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) and local residents accused the government of evicting vulnerable families without adequate alternatives. SDPI General Secretary Mujahid Pasha said that Congress is repeating the same policy which it had once opposed.
What did Chief Minister Siddaramaiah say?
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that the land portion of Kogilu area was unfit for human habitation and despite repeated notices, some residents did not comply, making eviction necessary. He ordered arrangements for temporary shelter, food and other essential items. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said the purpose of the demolition was to protect public property from land mafia and not to target any community.
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