The Congress-led government in Karnataka is facing mounting criticism after a political controversy erupted over the eviction of hundreds of families from encroached government land in Bengaluru. The issue has sparked protests, sharp opposition attacks, and allegations that the state administration is being run under “Delhi diktats.” The controversy centres on a demolition drive carried out in the Kogilu area, which has now become a flashpoint in state politics.
Responding to the backlash, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday rejected the BJP’s claim that Congress leader KC Venugopal was functioning as a “Super CM.” He said Venugopal, who is the AICC general secretary, had merely offered suggestions after the demolition and had not interfered in the functioning of the state government. Speaking at his Sadashivanagar residence, Shivakumar said it was normal for party leaders to offer advice and questioned why the BJP objected to this when its own national leaders regularly guide state units.
Shivakumar said the Congress was unconcerned about the BJP’s criticism and insisted that the government was acting within the law. The row stems from the demolition of houses in Kogilu village on the outskirts of Bengaluru, where several families were evicted for allegedly encroaching on government land. The action triggered protests from residents and political outrage, with the opposition accusing the government of acting insensitively.
The Deputy Chief Minister reiterated that those eligible for rehabilitation would be provided housing under the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Scheme. He said the government had collected details of the affected families and assured that the law would be applied equally to all communities. Shivakumar also alleged that land mafias were involved in the encroachments, claiming that certain individuals had taken money and encouraged people to build illegal structures on government land.
He added that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had already convened a meeting to review the situation and ensure proper relief for those genuinely affected. According to Shivakumar, the government’s intention was not to target the poor but to protect public land and address illegal occupation in a lawful manner.
Hitting back at BJP leader CN Ashwath Narayan’s criticism that Venugopal should not interfere in Karnataka’s affairs, Shivakumar dismissed the remarks as political posturing. He said such statements were made merely to stay relevant in the political discourse and accused the opposition of blowing the issue out of proportion.
The controversy intensified after Venugopal publicly stated that he had spoken to both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar following the evictions and had advised the government to act with greater sensitivity and compassion. He had also assured that affected families would be personally engaged and rehabilitated. The BJP seized upon this statement to allege that the Congress was being controlled by its central leadership and accused the party of undermining federal principles.
Senior BJP leaders, including R Ashoka and state party president BY Vijayendra, claimed the episode exposed the Congress’s so-called “high command culture” and questioned whether the elected state government was functioning independently. They argued that the intervention from Delhi reflected a lack of autonomy for the Karnataka leadership.
The issue has also drawn reactions from outside the state. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticised the demolition drive, calling it an example of “bulldozer raj.” Shivakumar rejected this comparison as well, asserting that Karnataka does not follow a bulldozer culture and that the action was strictly about reclaiming government land, not targeting any particular community.
As the political battle intensifies, the eviction drive has become a major point of contention, with the Congress defending its actions as lawful and humane, while the BJP continues to frame it as evidence of central interference and insensitivity. The episode has added to the growing tension within Karnataka politics, with the fallout likely to continue in the days ahead.
