The political storm over a demolition drive in Bengaluru intensified this week, putting Karnataka's Congress government in a tight spot and triggering a fresh war of words with the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The controversy took a new turn when Congress national leader K C Venugopal intervened, leading the BJP to label him a 'super Chief Minister' and accuse the party high command of undermining the state's autonomy.
High Command's Intervention Fuels Political Fire
The flashpoint is the eviction and demolition of what authorities call unauthorised constructions at Kogilu Layout in Bengaluru's Yelahanka constituency. The action, carried out about a week ago, initially drew criticism from BJP leader Bhaskar Rao on December 23. However, the issue exploded into a major inter-state political clash after Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan entered the fray.
On December 26, Vijayan, a fellow opposition leader but from the CPI(M), launched a sharp attack on the Congress government in Karnataka. He accused it of running a 'bulldozer raj' and uprooting Muslim families from Faqir Colony and Waseem Layout. His statement framed the action as an adoption of the Sangh Parivar's 'anti-minority politics'.
The 'Super CM' Allegation and Congress's Defence
The situation escalated further when AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal publicly stated on Saturday, December 27, that he had spoken to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D K Shivakumar. He conveyed the Congress high command's "serious concern" that the demolitions lacked sufficient "caution, sensitivity, and compassion." He noted the leaders assured him of personal engagement with affected families and a mechanism for relief and rehabilitation.
This public intervention provided immediate ammunition to the Karnataka BJP. On Sunday, Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka accused Venugopal of acting as a "super CM," calling it a "blatant overreach and an insult to federalism." State BJP President B Y Vijayendra joined in, stating that directions from Delhi were a "direct affront to the people of Karnataka."
Defending his colleague, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar asserted that Venugopal, as a national party leader, had every right to advise the state government and was not interfering in administration. He also earlier hit back at Kerala CM Vijayan, dismissing his comments as "political gimmicks" ahead of Kerala state elections and made without knowing the facts.
Government's Stance and On-Ground Actions
The Karnataka government has consistently defended the demolition drive. Officials stated the land in Kogilu was notified for solid waste management and that the area around an abandoned quarry was unsafe for habitation. State Housing Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan, who visited the site on Sunday, said multiple eviction notices were issued and alternative arrangements in choultries were made for the families. He claimed a four-acre plot was also identified for rehabilitation, but the residents were unwilling to move.
Minister Khan announced that both the CM and Deputy CM would hold a meeting on Monday, December 29, regarding the issue, hinting at possible "good news" for the displaced. This incident follows earlier remarks by State Home Minister G Parameshwara about using bulldozers against drug peddlers' homes, which he later softened after criticism from within his own party.
The row highlights the delicate balance the Congress government must maintain between administrative action against encroachments, political messaging, and managing perceptions within its own national leadership and coalition partners.
