Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday strongly objected to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s remarks on the recent eviction drive carried out on encroached land in Bengaluru, stating that the comments were made without a proper understanding of the facts on the ground. Terming the criticism “unwarranted and politically motivated”, Shivakumar asserted that the Karnataka government had acted responsibly and within the framework of law while protecting public land and public health.
Addressing reporters in Bengaluru, the Deputy Chief Minister said it was unfortunate that a senior leader like Pinarayi Vijayan chose to comment on an issue pertaining to another state without verifying the circumstances that led to the eviction. He emphasised that the cleared land in question was not a residential layout in the legal sense, but an area that had been used as a solid waste dumping pit, posing serious health and environmental risks to nearby localities.
Land was a dumping site, says DCM
Shivakumar clarified that the eviction drive was undertaken after repeated complaints from residents about unhygienic conditions, contamination, and health hazards arising from the dumping of waste. “This land had turned into a major solid waste dumping pit. It was affecting the health of people living in the surrounding areas. The government cannot remain silent when public health is at stake,” he said.
He added that encroachments on such land not only worsen sanitation issues but also make it difficult for civic authorities to manage waste scientifically. According to him, the action was taken after following due process and consultations with officials concerned.
Government acted with sensitivity
Countering allegations of inhuman treatment, Shivakumar stressed that the Karnataka government had acted with sensitivity and compassion during the eviction process. He said affected families were given opportunities to relocate and were informed in advance about the action.
“The narrative that people were thrown out overnight without any concern is completely false. We ensured that they were treated humanely and given options. The government has no intention of harassing the poor,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister also stated that families who meet the eligibility criteria would be considered for housing under the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Scheme, reiterating the government’s commitment to providing shelter to the economically weaker sections.
Warning against land mafia activities
Shivakumar warned that organised land mafia networks were attempting to exploit government land by encouraging illegal settlements, with the eventual aim of claiming ownership. “There are systematic attempts to create slums on valuable public land and then pressure the government for regularisation. We will not allow such practices, especially in a city like Bengaluru,” he said.
He pointed out that unchecked encroachments not only deprive the government of public assets but also strain urban infrastructure and civic services. Protecting government land, he said, was essential for planned development and the long-term welfare of citizens.
Rejects ‘bulldozer raj’ allegation
Responding directly to Pinarayi Vijayan’s description of the eviction as an example of “bulldozer raj”, Shivakumar firmly rejected the charge. “Karnataka does not follow a bulldozer culture. Our actions are guided by law, court orders where applicable, and administrative responsibility. There is no question of ruling through fear,” he said.
He maintained that comparing Karnataka’s actions with politically charged narratives elsewhere was misleading and unfair. “Safeguarding public land and ensuring public health should not be misrepresented as authoritarianism,” he added.
Political overtones alleged
Shivakumar alleged that the criticism from Kerala had political undertones and was linked to electoral considerations in that state. He said protests and controversies surrounding the eviction drive were being fuelled deliberately to create confusion and unrest.
“These statements are not about concern for people here. They are part of a political strategy. We will not allow Bengaluru to become a playground for such politics,” he said.
Will convey stand to Congress leadership
The Deputy Chief Minister said he would convey Karnataka’s position to Congress leaders in Kerala, making it clear that internal matters of one state should not be politicised across state borders. He appealed to Pinarayi Vijayan to refrain from making statements without understanding the factual and administrative background.
Conclusion
The sharp exchange between leaders from Karnataka and Kerala has brought renewed focus on urban encroachments, housing rights, and the political narratives surrounding eviction drives. While the Karnataka government maintains that its actions were necessary to protect public health and property, the controversy underscores the need for transparent communication and rehabilitation measures to address the concerns of displaced families, even as states grapple with rapid urbanisation and land pressures.