A political controversy has erupted in Karnataka after Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar made a contentious statement regarding people from Kerala during a dispute over a demolition drive in Bengaluru's Kogilu area. The remark has drawn sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has demanded an immediate apology.
The Controversial Statement and Immediate Backlash
The incident unfolded on Monday, December 30, 2024. While addressing the media regarding the ongoing demolition of unauthorized structures near the Kogilu Cross flyover, Shivakumar, who is also the state's Bengaluru Development Minister, made a pointed comment. He stated, "We don't want Keralites here. We want Kannadigas." This assertion was made in the context of defending the government's action against illegal constructions, which he claimed were largely occupied by migrants.
The BJP's state unit swiftly launched a counterattack. Senior BJP leader and former minister R. Ashoka condemned the statement, accusing Shivakumar of making "divisive and hateful" comments that could disturb social harmony. The opposition party argued that the Deputy CM's words were an attempt to divert public attention from the failures of the Congress-led state government in managing Bengaluru's infrastructure and housing issues.
Context: The Kogilu Demolition Drive
The flashpoint for this exchange was the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike's (BBMP) demolition drive in the Kogilu area, located along the busy Bengaluru-Mysuru highway. Authorities began razing several structures, including shops and buildings, citing violations of zoning regulations and encroachment on public land meant for road widening and infrastructure projects.
Local residents and business owners protested the action, leading to a tense standoff. Shivakumar, visiting the site, defended the drive as necessary for the city's development. He emphasized that the government's priority was to provide housing and opportunities for local Kannadigas, which is where his controversial remark about Keralites originated. The government maintains that the drive is purely about enforcing the law and removing encroachments, not targeting any specific community.
Political Repercussions and Demands for Apology
The BJP has seized upon Shivakumar's comment as evidence of the Congress's "divisive politics." Party leaders have alleged that the statement is an insult to the people of Kerala and a violation of the constitutional right of every Indian citizen to live and work anywhere in the country. They have demanded an unconditional apology from the Deputy Chief Minister.
Political analysts suggest this incident could strain the relationship between Karnataka and neighboring Kerala, and also potentially alienate the significant Malayali population residing in Bengaluru. The controversy adds another layer of complexity to the already sensitive issue of urban development, migration, and regional identity in India's tech capital.
As of now, the state government has not issued any official clarification or apology regarding the Deputy CM's remarks. The focus remains on the ongoing demolition drive, but the political fallout from the statement is likely to dominate discourse in the coming days, with the BJP expected to escalate the issue both inside and outside the legislature.
