Bengaluru demolition controversy: Siddaramaiah-Shivkumar speak in one voice amid Congress’s uneasiness

Bengaluru: The act of demolition in Bengaluru’s Kogila Layout has sparked a heated debate in Karnataka politics. On one hand, Congress is facing internal discontent and external criticism, on the other hand, State Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar are seen united on this issue.

The coming together of the two leaders, who generally appear to be on different voices regarding the balance of power, in this matter is being considered politically important. Both of them not only defended the action, but also strongly rejected criticisms from Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Kogila layout demolition raises political storm

The dispute started after several families were evicted from Kogila Layout near Yelahanka on December 20. Questions were raised regarding this action not only from the opposition parties but also within the Congress. Senior leader KC Venugopal appealed to the government to adopt a more sensitive and compassionate attitude.

Vijayan’s ‘bulldozer raj’ comment

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticized the action, calling it an example of “bulldozer raj”. Referring to the demolition of Fakir Colony and Wasim Layout, he said,
"The bulldozing of Fakir Colony and Wasim Layout in Bengaluru, displacing Muslim families living there for years, exposes the cruel generalization of the ‘bulldozer raj’."

He further wrote, "Sadly, the anti-minority politics of the Sangh Parivar is being carried out under the rule of the Congress government in Karnataka." And called upon secular forces to oppose it. In a later Facebook post, he described the action as “extremely shocking and painful.”

Siddaramaiah’s answer: Action was inevitable

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, while clarifying on X, said that this step was taken due to security reasons. they wrote,"Many people had illegally built temporary shelters at the garbage disposal site in Kogila Layout near Yelahanka. This is not a suitable place for human habitation."

he adds,"Despite issuing notices directing the families to relocate several times, the residents did not comply. Under these circumstances, removal of encroachment and vacating the space became inevitable."

Allegations of ‘bulldozer justice’ dismissed

The Chief Minister clarified that instructions have been given for immediate relief for the displaced. He told that discussions have been held with the Commissioner of Greater Bengaluru Authority on the arrangement of temporary shelter, food and essential commodities.
He said,"There is a fundamental difference between ‘bulldozer justice’ and legal removal of illegal encroachments. The criticism being made by Pinarayi Vijayan is politically motivated and shows a lack of understanding of reality."

Shivkumar’s counterattack

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar also gave a strong reply to Vijayan’s criticism. He said,"It is unfortunate that senior leaders like Pinarayi Vijayan have spoken without knowing the truth. They should know what the real issue is."

He clarified,"This place (Kogila Layout) is a mine for solid waste disposal. Notification for solid waste disposal unit was issued 9 years ago… We will not allow the land mafia to build slums."

"Bulldozer culture is not ours,"Saying this, Shivkumar added that one should not interfere in the affairs of the state without knowing the facts.

humanitarian concern within congress

A few hours later, AICC general secretary KC Venugopal said that he had spoken to Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar on this issue. He said,"I conveyed AICC’s grave concern that such action should have been taken with much greater care, sensitivity and compassion, keeping the humanitarian impact at the centre."

Left parties visit, protests intensify

Meanwhile, CPI(M) leader and Kerala MP A.A. A delegation led by Rahim visited Kogila Layout and met the displaced families. Rahim took this action "anti-minority"told.

SDPI and local people demonstrated in Yelahanka demanding rehabilitation. SDPI Karnataka general secretary Mujahid Pasha said according to ANI,
"The Karnataka government has failed to keep humanity in mind… This has become a national issue."

Growing challenge for Congress

Amidst the continuous political reactions, this matter is highlighting the differences within the Congress. Besides, the conflict with leaders from outside the state over the demolition action in Bengaluru also seems to be intensifying.