Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has firmly dismissed allegations from opposition parties that the state's Congress government is engaging in minority appeasement through its handling of recent encroachment demolitions in Bengaluru. He asserted that there would be no "gifting" of land or benefits to those who illegally occupied property and promised stringent action against individuals who facilitated such settlements.
Political Clash Over Rehabilitation Policy
Responding to accusations from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that the government's actions were influenced by upcoming Kerala assembly elections, Shivakumar clarified the administration's stance. He stated that encroachments are unacceptable under any circumstances and that the government's approach is not driven by appeasement politics. The minister revealed that evictees had given statements alleging some people collected money to allow them to set up sheds on the encroached land. "We will take action against those who facilitated the encroachment," he declared.
On the matter of rehabilitation, Shivakumar outlined a clear, rule-based process. He explained that housing would be provided to eligible evictees on humanitarian grounds through the central government's Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) scheme. He emphasized that only genuine, eligible local residents would be considered for rehabilitation, and the government is not in the business of regularizing illegal occupation. Officials have been directed to review previous land rights granted in the area and scrutinize recent encroachments to distinguish original settlers from outsiders.
BJP Launches Counter-Attack, Plans Protests
The opposition BJP has intensified its criticism of the government's rehabilitation decision, alleging it followed intervention by the All India Congress Committee (AICC) in Delhi. BJP state president BY Vijayendra questioned whether Karnataka's policies should be dictated by "a Keralite KC Venugopal sitting in Delhi" rather than the state's own chief minister.
Vijayendra announced that the party would launch statewide protests after its core committee meeting on January 5. The agitation will also address other issues, including the alleged drug mafia, insults to Kannadigas, and irregularities in the Gruha Lakshmi scheme. He condemned the announcement of houses for what he termed "illegal migrants," calling it a discriminatory act against Karnataka's poor and questioning its legality.
Adding to the chorus, Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje speculated if the "heat of Kerala elections" was swaying decisions in Karnataka. She urged the state government to cooperate in identifying and deporting Rohingyas and other illegal migrants and demanded verification of Aadhaar cards and voter IDs of suspected individuals.
Domestic Row Attracts International Attention
The demolition of 167 unauthorized temporary sheds in Kogilu's Waseem Layout and Fakir Colony on December 20 has escalated into a significant political and diplomatic issue. The controversy drew in Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who criticized the Karnataka government, claiming most affected residents were religious minorities.
This was followed by a statement from Pakistan's Foreign Office, accusing Indian authorities of harassing Muslims and demolishing homes. India's External Affairs Ministry swiftly rejected Pakistan's remarks as "unacceptable and hypocritical," with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighting Pakistan's own "abysmal" record on minority rights.
Back home, civil society groups expressed concern that displaced families were being used as political pawns. M Venkataswamy, president of Samatha Sainika Dala, accused all major parties of appeasing their respective vote banks by exploiting the Kogilu demolition issue.
Amid the escalating row, the Karnataka government has ordered the rehabilitation of verified victims. Eligible families will receive alternative housing in Byappanahalli at a cost of Rs 11.2 lakh per house, pending thorough document verification, in a move aimed at addressing humanitarian concerns under increasing scrutiny.
