Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan vs Karnataka DyCM DK Shivakumar: Bulldozer Controversy Erupts in Bengaluru

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A heated exchange has erupted between Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar over a recent demolition drive in Bengaluru. Vijayan criticized the action, calling it an 'extremely shocking and painful' instance of 'bulldozer justice' targeting the Muslim community in the city. The demolition drive, which took place in Kogilu village at Yelahanka in North Bangalore, resulted in the bulldozing of over 200 houses in Waseem Layout and Fakir Colony. Vijayan took to Facebook to express his concerns, stating that the action was a 'version of aggressively anti-minority politics implemented by the Sangh Parivar in North India' that had now been witnessed in Karnataka. Shivakumar, however, responded by stating that the site in question was 'illegally occupied' and that the affected individuals had been moved humanely. He added that the government was providing alternative housing to those eligible under the Rajiv Gandhi Awas Yojana. Shivakumar also accused Vijayan of making 'politically motivated' remarks without understanding the reality of Bengaluru. The controversy has raised questions about the handling of the demolition drive and the impact on the affected communities. While Shivakumar emphasized that the action was a routine process, Vijayan's comments have sparked concerns about the potential targeting of minority groups in the city. As the debate continues, the Karnataka government has directed officers to submit a report on the matter, and Shivakumar has assured that those affected will be provided with alternative housing. The exchange between the two leaders has highlighted the complexities of urban development and the need for a nuanced approach to addressing issues of housing and displacement in cities like Bengaluru.