CM vs CM: Sidda takes on Pinarayi over 'bulldozer' remark; defends eviction drive
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has strongly refuted Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's "North Indian bulldozer justice" accusation regarding a Bengaluru eviction drive. Siddaramaiah termed Vijayan's remarks politically motivated and lacking factual understanding, emphasizing the lawful removal of illegal encroachments.
NEW DELHI: Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah hit out at Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan over his "North Indian bulldozer justice" remark in context of the eviction drive at a Bengaluru colony. Sidda called Vijayan's remark as "politically motivated", adding that it lacked "understanding of the factual situation.
""There is a fundamental difference between 'bulldozer justice' and the lawful removal of illegal encroachments. The criticism being made by Pinarayi Vijayan is politically motivated and reflects a lack of understanding of the factual situation," the
Karnataka CM
said.
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Defending the eviction drive, Sidda said that the "place was not suitable for human habitation", adding that "temporary shelter, food, and other essential facilities would be arranged for all those affected.""Several people had illegally erected makeshift shelters at the waste-disposal site in the Kogilu Layout near Yelahanka in Bengaluru. It is not a place suitable for human habitation. Despite issuing notices on multiple occasions directing the families to relocate, the residents failed to comply. Under these circumstances, it became unavoidable to clear the encroachment and vacate the site," he said.
The response came after Vijayan, in a Facebook post, criticised the demolition of Fakir Colony and Waseem Layout in Bengaluru.
Vijayan described the action as “extremely shocking and painful,” claiming that Muslims had been residing in the areas for years and accusing the Karnataka government of following a “North Indian bulldozer justice model.” He also questioned how the Congress-led government in Karnataka could justify carrying out forced evictions rather than ensuring housing for the poor.Terming the demolitions an example of “anti-minority aggressive politics,” Vijayan said it was surprising to witness such actions under a Congress administration.Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar also criticised the Kerala CM "should know the issues in Bengaluru". “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.