Bengaluru, Dec 29 (NationPress) In light of the ongoing debate regarding the demolition of unauthorised constructions in the Kogilu area near Yelahanka, the Karnataka BJP has criticized the Congress-led administration, questioning whether the governance of the state resides in the hands of Kannadigas or Keralites.

At the same time, a team from the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC), accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, is assessing the situation on-site.

The controversy escalated after Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan accused the Karnataka government of employing a ‘bulldozer model’, akin to Uttar Pradesh, to displace Muslims in certain parts of Bengaluru.

BJP State General Secretary and MLA V. Sunil Kumar remarked on Monday, "As Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar find themselves lost in the chaos over power transition, Pinarayi Vijayan dictates our state’s administration. Meanwhile, Congress National General Secretary, the Malayali K.C. Venugopal, shows sympathy for this interference."

In response, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed regret over the demolition of an illegal settlement created by unauthorized migrants near Kogilu Cross, pledging to arrange alternative housing. Sunil Kumar criticized this as mere political maneuvering aimed at securing minority votes in Kerala's elections.

"Previously, the Karnataka Congress-led government allocated Rs 30 lakh compensation to victims of elephant attacks in Kerala’s Wayanad. Yet, during the Kerala elections, they have dragged Karnataka’s dignity through the mud," he denounced.

"Even if the robust governance of Karnataka is crushed beneath the bulldozer of the Kerala Communist government, the Congress’s so-called ‘brave Kannadigas’ remain silent. One can only applaud their passivity," he added mockingly.

Meanwhile, the delegation led by SHRC Chairman Sham Bhat and retired judges is on-site for inspections and to address community grievances. T. Narasimhamurthy, a human rights activist, had lodged a complaint regarding this issue.

Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar, who previously defended the government actions as Bengaluru Development Minister, is also visiting the location this afternoon.

Residents have set up tents at the site, asserting they will remain until housing is provided.

Minister for Housing and Waqf Zameer Ahmad Khan, who visited on December 28, announced that he would deliver positive news to residents on Monday and assured them of housing assistance.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar are convening a meeting regarding this matter.

Earlier, responding to Vijayan’s comments, Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar urged the Kerala Chief Minister to refrain from meddling in Karnataka’s affairs and dismissed the allegations as politically motivated.

“Without understanding the facts, Mr. Pinarayi should not interfere in our state's matters. These are mere political stunts ahead of elections,” Shivakumar asserted.

He guaranteed that those evicted who hold valid documents and are residents of Karnataka would receive assistance. “Those eligible will certainly be rehabilitated,” he emphasized.

Elaborating on the government's actions, Shivakumar explained that makeshift huts had sprung up overnight at the site. “After consulting local representatives and officials, an order was issued to vacate the land, and the area has now been cleared. We executed the operation without disturbing anyone,” he claimed.

He highlighted that the encroachment took place on a quarry site designated nearly a decade ago for garbage disposal, labeling it a dangerous area with substantial health risks that cannot be permitted for illegal occupation.

“This is not about Muslims or anyone else. We are well-acquainted with Bengaluru and do not wish for the land mafia to create slums. We are safeguarding government property,” he asserted.

Following this, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) raised significant concerns regarding the Congress-led Karnataka government's demolition efforts against unauthorised constructions in Bengaluru, stating that such actions should have been executed with more caution and sensitivity.

AICC General Secretary and Congress Lok Sabha member K.C. Venugopal expressed these concerns after discussions with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar.

On social media platform X, Venugopal stated: “I spoke to Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar regarding the demolition of unauthorised constructions in Kogilu village, Bengaluru. I conveyed the AICC’s serious concern that such actions should have been undertaken with far greater caution, sensitivity, and compassion, prioritizing the human impact.”