Karnataka Defends Bengaluru Evictions Amid Criticism

The Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, and his deputy, D K Shivakumar, have defended the eviction of about 300 families from two areas in Bengaluru.

These families were living on government land meant for managing waste.

The Kerala Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, had criticized this action, calling it 'bulldozer raj.'

But Siddaramaiah said the evictions were necessary because the land was being used illegally.

He also mentioned that the government is looking into providing alternative housing for the families, many of whom are migrants.

Deputy CM D K Shivakumar sharply responded to Kerala CM's criticism, describing his remarks as unfortunate and advising against intervening without knowing the ground realities.

Shivakumar emphasized that the operation aimed to protect public land from illegal slum construction and that the residents were given opportunities to relocate beforehand.

Additionally, IUML leader PK Kunhalikutty stated that the demolitions in Bengaluru are not comparable to those in Uttar Pradesh and that attractive rehabilitation packages will be provided by the government.

The BJP accused the Congress of overreach and insulting federalism by intervening in Karnataka's administration.