BJP alleges Kerala interference over Kogilu Layout demolition

Bengaluru: The controversy surrounding the Kogilu Layout demolition has taken a sharp political turn, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing the Congress-led Karnataka government of buckling under external pressure and adopting double standards.

The opposition has alleged that the state government softened its stand on illegal encroachments following the intervention of AICC general secretary K C Venugopal, raising questions over alleged Kerala influence in Karnataka’s governance.

The Kogilu Layout issue pertains to the demolition of allegedly illegal structures in north Bengaluru. While the state government initially maintained that the constructions were unauthorised and carried out eviction drives, it has now announced rehabilitation measures for “eligible” residents.

This shift in stance has drawn sharp criticism from the BJP, which has questioned whether all encroachers across the state will now be entitled to rehabilitation. The government has decided to provide alternative housing to eligible families displaced in the Kogilu Layout demolition.

According to official sources, rehabilitation is being planned in Baiyyappanahalli under the One House Scheme and the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Programme. The move was finalised after a series of high-level meetings and spot inspections by senior ministers.

Housing Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar recently visited the site and submitted reports to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Following a meeting at the Chief Minister’s Cauvery residence, Siddaramaiah announced that rehabilitation would be provided to those found eligible, citing humanitarian concerns.

However, the BJP has strongly objected to the government’s approach, arguing that providing alternative housing to illegal occupants sends the wrong message. Opposition leaders have alleged that the Congress government is using “humanitarianism” as a shield to justify political expediency.

Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy lashed out at the government, sarcastically remarking that if Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan wants to run Karnataka, the Congress might as well “hand over the administration.”

He accused the state government of acting at the behest of leaders outside Karnataka rather than safeguarding the interests and authority of the state. Former Deputy Chief Minister and senior BJP leader R Ashoka also expressed outrage, claiming that the intervention by AICC general secretary Venugopal had forced the Karnataka government to retreat from its original position.

Ashoka alleged that the dignity of the state had been compromised and demanded an apology from both the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister. “The government itself declared the constructions illegal and carried out demolitions. Now the same government is preparing to rehabilitate those very encroachers.

What message does this send to law-abiding citizens?” Ashoka questioned. He further alleged that the Congress leadership was prioritising high command appeasement over governance and rule of law in Karnataka.

BJP leaders have also questioned whether similar rehabilitation packages would be extended to illegal encroachers across the state. They argued that selective rehabilitation could encourage future encroachments, with people expecting eventual government support even after violating the law.

The Congress, meanwhile, has defended its decision, maintaining that the rehabilitation is limited to genuinely eligible families and is rooted in compassion rather than politics. Government sources insist that the demolition drive was legally justified, but rehabilitation is being considered to prevent displaced families from being rendered homeless.

“This is not about supporting illegality. It is about ensuring that poor and vulnerable families are not pushed onto the streets,” a senior Congress leader said, adding that eligibility criteria would be strictly enforced.

Despite these assurances, the issue continues to fuel political sparring. Critics argue that the timing of the government’s change in tone, coinciding with the involvement of central Congress leaders, raises legitimate questions. They also point to the broader narrative of inter-state political considerations influencing decisions in Karnataka.

As the debate intensifies, the Kogilu Layout demolition has emerged as more than just an urban encroachment issue. It has become a flashpoint over governance, political influence, and the balance between rule of law and humanitarian responsibility.

With both the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister yet to directly address the opposition’s allegations, questions remain over whether the state government’s decision was driven by policy, compassion, or political compulsion.

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