Political clash over removal of encroachment in Bengaluru, DK Shivakumar rejects Pinarayi Vijayan’s allegations

Tezzbuzz Desk- Political rhetoric has intensified between Karnataka and Kerala regarding the recent encroachment removal action in Bengaluru. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday hit back at the allegations of “bulldozer raj” made by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

DK Shivakumar clearly said that the Congress government of Karnataka does not believe in ‘bulldozer culture’ and the action taken in Bengaluru was solely with the aim of freeing government land from encroachment.

The controversy started when Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan made a scathing attack on the Karnataka government by posting on social media platform X. He claimed that more than 200 houses were demolished in Bengaluru and called it an attempt to normalize ‘bulldozer raj’. Vijayan also alleged that such actions harm constitutional values ​​and human dignity and compared it to the controversial practices in North India.

Responding to these allegations, DK Shivakumar said that Pinarayi Vijayan has made the comment without knowing the complete facts. Speaking to reporters at his residence in Sadashivnagar, he said that the buildings which were removed were built illegally on government land.

According to Shivkumar, the land from which encroachment was removed was earlier a dumping ground for solid waste. Due to this, serious health problems were arising in the area. “We did not treat anyone inhumanely. Those living there were given a chance to move to other places,” he said.

The Deputy CM also mentioned the role of land mafia on this issue. He alleged that some people deliberately establish slums on government land so that the land can be captured later. Shivakumar clearly said that the Karnataka government will not tolerate such activities under any circumstances.

DK Shivakumar also assured that those who are eligible will be given rehabilitation by the government. He said that the government is ready to provide houses to eligible residents under Rajiv Gandhi Awas Yojana. Finally, rejecting the charge of ‘bulldozer raj’, Shivakumar said, “We are protecting government land in the heart of the city, not ruling through fear and pressure.”