'Bulldozer Raj' Remark Row: After DKS, Siddaramaiah Slams Kerala CM; AICC Flags Concern Over Govt Drive

'Bulldozer Raj' Remark Row: Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal on Saturday spoke to Karnataka Chief Minister and Deputy CM regarding the demolition drive. Earlier, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, in a post on Facebook, strongly criticised the demolition of Fakir Colony and Waseem Layout in Bengaluru. 

'Bulldozer Raj' Remark Row: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday said that suitable housing arrangements would be provided to people evicted from makeshift shelters at a waste dumping site in the Kogilu Badavane area near Yelahanka in Bengaluru. The government action drew criticism from Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, prompting a response from Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who said that senior leaders should not comment without knowing the facts on the ground.

Meanwhile, Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal on Saturday spoke to Karnataka Chief Minister and Deputy CM regarding the demolition drive.

"Spoke to Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and DCM DK Shivakumar regarding the demolition of unauthorised constructions in Kogilu village, Bengaluru. Conveyed the AICC's serious concern that such actions should have been undertaken with far greater caution, sensitivity, and compassion, keeping the human impact at the centre," Venugopal posted on the social media platform X.

Venugopal said that Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have assured that an appropriate mechanism for addressing grievances will be put in place along with rehabilitation for the affected families.

"They have assured that they will personally engage with the affected families, put in place an appropriate mechanism for addressing grievances, and ensure rehabilitation and relief for those impacted," he said.

Kerala CM's Criticism Of Govt Drive 

Earlier, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, in a post on Facebook, strongly criticised the demolition of Fakir Colony and Waseem Layout in Bengaluru. 

He termed the action "extremely shocking and painful," alleging that Muslims had been living in these areas for years and accusing the Karnataka government of following a "North Indian bulldozer justice model."

CM Vijayan also questioned the Congress-led Karnataka government, asking how it could justify forced evictions instead of ensuring shelter for the poor. 

He described the demolitions as reflective of "anti-minority aggressive politics" and said it was surprising to see such actions under a Congress government.

After this, Karnataka Deputy CM Shivakumar appealed directly to the Kerala Chief Minister to refrain from commenting without full knowledge of the situation. 

"Senior leaders like Pinarayi Vijayan should know the issues in Bengaluru. We know our city well, and we don't want to entertain slums that promote land mafia activities," he said.

Also Check- Kerala CM Slams Bengaluru Demolitions As 'Bulldozer Justice'; DK Shivakumar Hits Back

Siddaramaiah's Response To Criticism

CM Siddaramaiah on Saturday said that suitable housing arrangements would be provided to people who were evicted from makeshift shelters at a waste dumping site in the Kogilu Badavane area near Yelahanka in Bengaluru.

In a post on X, the CM said that the land was unfit for human habitation and had been encroached upon.

Siddaramaiah said, "Several people had illegally erected makeshift shelters at the waste-disposal site in the Kogilu Layout near Yelahanka in Bengaluru. It is not a place suitable for human habitation. Despite issuing notices on multiple occasions directing the families to relocate, the residents failed to comply. Under these circumstances, it became unavoidable to clear the encroachment and vacate the site."

"I have spoken to the Commissioner of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and directed that temporary shelter, food, and other essential facilities be arranged for all those affected. While most of the occupants were migrant workers and not local residents, the government will nevertheless ensure appropriate accommodation on humanitarian grounds," he further said.

"There is a fundamental difference between “bulldozer justice” and the lawful removal of illegal encroachments. The criticism being made by Pinarayi Vijayan is politically motivated and reflects a lack of understanding of the factual situation," the CM added. 

(with ANI inputs)