A political storm has erupted after a large-scale clearance operation in Bengaluru led to the demolition of hundreds of homes, triggering sharp reactions from across party lines and even beyond state borders. The Karnataka government now finds itself defending the move amid allegations of selective action and comparisons with controversial demolition practices seen elsewhere in the country.

The controversy intensified after Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan openly criticised the Bengaluru drive, calling it inhumane and accusing the Congress-led Karnataka government of adopting what he described as a “bulldozer-style” approach. Vijayan’s remarks, shared on social media, sparked an immediate and forceful response from Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.

Addressing reporters, Shivakumar rejected the criticism and cautioned leaders from outside Karnataka against passing judgments without understanding local conditions. He insisted that the operation was carried out to reclaim public land and had nothing to do with religion or targeting any specific community.

According to the Deputy CM, the demolished structures were built on encroached land that was originally meant for public use. He alleged that organised land-grab networks were attempting to convert the area into permanent settlements and said the government could not allow public property to be swallowed by such interests.

“We acted with sensitivity and responsibility,” Shivakumar said, adding that affected families were given time and options to relocate. He maintained that the administration’s intent was to protect civic spaces in a rapidly expanding city like Bengaluru, not to displace people arbitrarily.

The issue has now widened into a larger political debate, with Kerala’s Left leadership accusing the Congress of abandoning its traditional stand on minority rights. Vijayan, in his posts, alleged that constitutional values and human dignity suffer when governments rely on force rather than dialogue.