In a significant policy reversal, the Congress-led Karnataka government has softened its stance on the demolition of illegal constructions in Bengaluru, just two days after vowing "no mercy" for structures endangering human lives. The shift follows intervention from the party's high command, with the state now announcing plans to rehabilitate "eligible evictees."
From Demolition to Rehabilitation: A Swift Change in Stance
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar declared on Sunday that locals and eligible individuals displaced from the Kogilu encroachment incident would be rehabilitated under the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Scheme. This announcement marks a clear departure from the government's earlier hardline position, where both Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar had defended the demolition of houses and shanties, citing them as a danger to residents.
A crucial meeting has been scheduled for Monday to deliberate on the specifics of this rehabilitation plan. Speaking to reporters outside his residence, Shivakumar addressed the controversy surrounding the involvement of AICC general secretary and Kerala MP K.C. Venugopal.
Political Firestorm Over "Outside" Intervention
Shivakumar defended Venugopal's role, stating, "Venugopal has not interfered in the governance of the state. He is the general secretary of our party and has given us suggestions." He drew a parallel with the BJP, questioning, "Doesn't the BJP national president advise state BJP leaders?" He further revealed that an investigation had uncovered that one individual had taken money and encouraged people to erect sheds on the government land in Kogilu.
However, the move has ignited a fierce political debate. Former Deputy CM and BJP leader C.N. Ashwathnarayan criticized the Congress government for being subservient to the party high command and allowing "outsiders" to influence state administration. Opposition leader R. Ashoka launched a sharp attack, questioning Venugopal's standing.
"Karnataka is governed by a constitutionally elected chief minister and a cabinet, not by an AICC general secretary," Ashoka said. He accused the Congress of "selective outrage" driven by high-command politics, Kerala appeasement, and election optics, especially with party MP Priyanka Gandhi representing the southern state.
BJP Accuses Govt of Bowing to Kerala Pressure
The criticism extended to the BJP's state unit as well. BJP MLC C.T. Ravi pointedly asked, "When the entire construction has been found illegal, why is the govt acting subservient to Kerala politicians?" His comment was a direct reference to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's reported reaction to the demolition issue.
Ashoka emphasized that humanitarian concerns must be addressed through legal due process and accountable state mechanisms, not through instructions from party functionaries without constitutional roles. Shivakumar, dismissing the BJP's criticism, suggested it was an attempt by the functionaries to stay relevant within their own party, adding, "I am not bothered about such statements."
The Core Conflict: Law vs. Rehabilitation
The episode highlights a classic governance dilemma: enforcing the law against illegal encroachments versus addressing the humanitarian fallout of such actions. The Karnataka government's initial position was firmly on the side of strict enforcement, citing safety hazards. The rapid pivot to a rehabilitation-focused approach, following internal party suggestions, has now framed the issue within a larger political narrative.
Key points of contention now include:
- The criteria for determining "eligible evictees."
- The timeline and transparency of the rehabilitation process under the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Scheme.
- The ongoing political debate over state autonomy and the influence of national party leadership on regional governance.
All eyes are now on the Monday meeting, where the Siddaramaiah government is expected to formalize the rehabilitation framework, attempting to balance legal mandates with political and humanitarian considerations.
