'We are not into bulldozers': DK Shivakumar hits back at Kerala CM over Bengaluru demolition drive

BENGALURU: Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar has hit back at Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan over his criticism of a recent demolition drive in Bengaluru, saying senior leaders should refrain from commenting without understanding facts on the ground. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru on Saturday, Shivakumar described Vijayan’s remarks as “unfortunate” and said leaders from outside the state must first understand the city’s realities before making political statements. He insisted that the action was meant to protect public land and was not directed at any particular community. According to Shivakumar, the land in question was an encroached waste dumpsite and attempts were being made by land mafia elements to convert it into a slum. “We have humanity. We gave people an opportunity to move to new places. Only a few of them are locals,” he said, adding that the government was acting to protect public spaces. “We are not into bulldozers. We are trying to safeguard our land and public property,” he asserted. The deputy chief minister also appealed directly to Vijayan to avoid commenting without full knowledge of the situation. “Senior leaders like Pinarayi Vijayan should know the issues in Bengaluru. We know our city well, and we don't want to entertain slums that promote land mafia activities,” he said. Shivakumar’s response followed a Facebook post by Vijayan criticising the demolition of Fakir Colony and Waseem Layout in Bengaluru. The Kerala chief minister termed the action “extremely shocking and painful,” alleging that Muslims had been living in the areas for several years and accusing the Karnataka government of adopting a “North Indian bulldozer justice model.” Vijayan also questioned how the Congress-led government in Karnataka could justify forced evictions instead of ensuring shelter for the poor. He described the demolitions as reflecting “anti-minority aggressive politics” and said it was surprising to see such actions under a Congress administration.