The political confrontation between the BJP and the Congress intensified on Sunday after Karnataka BJP leaders accused the Congress high command of interfering in the state’s administration over the recent eviction drive in Bengaluru.
Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly R Ashoka strongly criticised Congress general secretary K C Venugopal for expressing concern over the demolition of houses in Kogilu village, questioning his authority to intervene in state governance.
Ashoka asserted that Karnataka is governed by a constitutionally elected government and not by party officials based in Delhi. He accused the Congress leadership of treating the state as a “remote-controlled administration” and termed Venugopal’s remarks as an insult to federalism. “Karnataka is not a colony of Rahul Gandhi,” Ashoka said, questioning whether Venugopal was acting as a “super chief minister.”
The BJP leader argued that while political parties are free to express opinions, issuing directions or moral instructions to an elected state government amounted to overreach. He said the state deserved autonomy, respect, and accountable governance rather than what he described as “high-command theatrics.”
The controversy erupted after Venugopal expressed “serious concern” over the eviction drive carried out in Bengaluru’s Kogilu village, where several settlements were demolished. In a post on social media, Venugopal said he had spoken to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, urging that such actions be undertaken with greater sensitivity and compassion. He said the state leadership had assured rehabilitation and grievance-redressal mechanisms for the affected families.
Ashoka further accused Venugopal of selective intervention, alleging that the Congress leader remained silent on issues such as the dumping of medical waste from Kerala along Karnataka’s borders, which he said posed environmental and public health risks. He claimed the concern shown over the Bengaluru demolitions was politically motivated and driven by electoral considerations.
The issue also drew comments from Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who criticised the demolitions as “shocking” and compared them to “bulldozer justice.” Responding to the criticism, Siddaramaiah dismissed Vijayan’s remarks as politically motivated and said the evictions were a lawful removal of encroachments on land earmarked for solid waste management.
According to officials, more than 200 temporary structures in Waseem Layout and Fakir Colony in Kogilu village near Yelahanka were removed by Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited (BSWML). Authorities stated that the land, spanning nearly five acres, was designated for a solid waste processing unit and was unsuitable for habitation. Notices had been issued to residents prior to the demolition, the government said.
