The demolition of unauthorised constructions in Bengaluru has escalated into a major political controversy, drawing in the Karnataka government, Congress high command, opposition BJP, and even the Kerala government.
Karnataka Leader of Opposition and BJP leader R Ashoka accused Congress general secretary K C Venugopal of overstepping his role by intervening in the state’s administrative decisions. Ashoka said Karnataka deserves autonomy and honest governance “not high-command theatrics,” calling Venugopal’s remarks a “blatant overreach” and an insult to federalism.
The controversy deepened after Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticised the demolitions, terming them a “North Indian bulldozer justice model,” accusing authorities of leaving residents homeless. His comments prompted Shivakumar to caution him against interfering in Karnataka’s internal affairs.
Ashoka questioned whether Venugopal was acting as Karnataka’s “super CM,” asserting that the state is not a “colony of Rahul Gandhi and his coterie.” He also accused Venugopal of hypocrisy for remaining silent on alleged waste dumping from Kerala into Karnataka while now showing sensitivity over Bengaluru demolitions.
Ashoka added that the people of Karnataka did not elect a “remote-control government,” urging respect for federal principles.
