After razing down over 400 homes, the Karnataka government finds itself embroiled in controversy. This action has left hundreds, predominantly from the Muslim community, homeless. The massive eviction drive, which commenced earlier this week, has triggered a fierce war of words between the ruling Congress and Kerala's Left Front Unit.
On December 22, around 4 AM, demolitions occurred in Fakir Colony and Wasim Layout at Kogilu village, affecting nearly 400 families. This came amid the coldest spell of the season in the city. The drive, conducted by Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited (BSWML), involved 4 JCBs and over 150 police personnel.
Source: aajtak
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People Stage Protests Against the Action
The Karnataka government stated these homes were illegally built on government land near an Urdu government school by a lake. However, residents claimed they received no prior notice and were forcefully evicted. Consequently, hundreds are spending nights in severe cold on streets and under temporary shelters.
Local media reports highlight that some residents have lived in the area for 25 years and possess valid Aadhar cards and voter IDs. Most evicted individuals are migrants working as laborers. This issue has become a major controversy for the Congress government, fueling protests.
A group staged a protest near Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda's house. Additionally, various organizations, like the Dalit Sangharsh Samiti, participated in protests against the action.
Source: aajtak
Kerala CM Criticizes the Move
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticized Congress for this action, labeling it an act of "anti-minority politics." In a post on X, Vijayan remarked that it's tragic how the minority-opposing politics of the Union family is now functioning under Karnataka's Congress government. He emphasized that when a government rules through fear and force, constitutional values and human dignity are the first to suffer.
Kerala Minister V. Sivankutty resonated the sentiment, stating that Congress's "inhumane action" reminiscent of the Emergency era. Those who came to power in the name of secularism and democracy, he said, are revealing their hypocrisy by demolishing the homes of the poor.
Deputy CM DK Shivakumar Responds to Pinarayi
In response to the criticism from CPI and Kerala CM, Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar explained the region was an encroached waste disposal area. Land mafias were attempting to transform it into a slum. He asserted that they provided time for relocation, stating they don't believe in bulldozing.
Taking a jibe at Pinarayi Vijayan, Shivakumar stressed that leaders should not comment without understanding the ground realities. He mentioned that senior leaders like Pinarayi Vijayan should be aware of Bengaluru's challenges. We know our city well and do not want to encourage slums that nurture land mafia activities.
