Bengaluru: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Friday defended the Karnataka government’s controversial demolition drive in Bengaluru, emphasizing that the actions were legally sanctioned and that alternative arrangements had been promised for the affected residents. His comments come after the December 20 demolition of makeshift homes in Kogila Layout near Yelahanka, which sparked criticism both within the Congress and from opposition leaders across the country.
Tharoor: Legal Procedures Followed
Speaking to the media, Tharoor stressed that the land where the demolished houses stood belonged to the government. He noted that the residents were living there illegally, and the site was unsafe due to toxic waste contamination.
“First, the land belonged to the government, and people were living there illegally. Second, it was a garbage dump and toxic waste had contaminated the water, so it was not a fit place for people to live,” Tharoor said, according to PTI.
He pointed out that the government had followed legal procedures, issuing notices to the residents, some of them multiple times, before carrying out the demolition.
“The Karnataka government has done this, adhering to court directions. Notices were given, and in some cases they were issued multiple times before the demolition,” he added.
Residents Were Informed; Alternative Housing Promised
Tharoor said that residents had been informed in advance and reassured that the government would provide temporary accommodation, with permanent housing promised within five to six months. He argued that since a solution had been found, there was no need to escalate the issue politically.
“There may be flaws in the shifting process and there can be differences of opinion on how it was done. But a promise has been given to find a solution,” he said.
Tharoor also clarified that he had not personally visited Karnataka and therefore refrained from giving a definitive on-ground assessment.
Controversy and Political Backlash
The demolition drive in Kogila Layout had stirred a political row, with critics dubbing it an example of “bulldozer raj.” Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan openly criticised the move, describing it as heavy-handed, while some Congress leaders in Karnataka reportedly expressed discomfort over the handling of the evictions.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, however, defended the government’s actions, stating that the operation was unavoidable due to safety concerns. He highlighted that several families had illegally erected makeshift shelters on a waste-disposal site and that the area was unsuitable for human habitation.
Tharoor Urges Calm and Avoiding Political Polarisation
Tharoor emphasised that the issue should not be used for political gain, especially based solely on the economic status of the affected residents.
“The government has taken a decision to provide temporary accommodation and has promised permanent housing within five to six months. Since a solution has been found, there is no need to unnecessarily provoke the issue,” he said.
He reiterated the importance of adhering to court directions and legal protocols in such matters, adding that all administrative actions must remain within the framework of the law.
Background: Kogila Layout Demolitions
The demolition drive on December 20 involved the eviction of several families from illegal settlements in Kogila Layout, near the northern Bengaluru suburb of Yelahanka. The area had long been a waste-disposal site, making it unsafe for habitation.
According to authorities, the residents had constructed makeshift homes on government land, prompting the civic action. While temporary accommodations have been arranged, the demolition created unrest and drew national attention due to the perception of forceful eviction.
Outlook
Tharoor’s intervention seeks to defuse political tension by framing the action as a legal and safety-driven measure rather than a punitive or discriminatory move. His defence reinforces the Karnataka government’s position that public safety and adherence to the law were the primary considerations in the operation.
With alternative housing promised, officials hope that the controversy will subside in the coming weeks, although some critics continue to view the drive as emblematic of broader issues regarding eviction policies in urban India.
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