The Karnataka government’s decision to provide alternate housing to families displaced by a demolition drive in north Bengaluru has sparked a political clash, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing the Congress of appeasement politics, while the government defended its move as a humanitarian measure.

Background

On December 20, 2025, the Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited demolished more than 400 houses in Waseem Layout and Fakir Colony in Kogilu, citing illegal construction. Many affected families were reportedly migrants from other states, and a significant number were Muslims. The demolitions drew criticism from civil society groups and political leaders, escalating into a broader controversy.

BJP’s Stand

BJP state president B Y Vijayendra alleged that the rehabilitation of displaced families amounted to minority appeasement. Speaking in Belagavi, he said:

• The government had acted correctly by demolishing illegal structures but later reversed its position under pressure from the Congress high command and Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan.
• Housing built with taxpayer money should prioritize local Kannadigas rather than migrants from Kerala.
• The Congress government’s focus on housing for displaced families, he argued, came at the expense of delayed compensation for farmers and other state priorities.
• Vijayendra accused Deputy CM D K Shivakumar of political opportunism and alleged that the Congress government had continued a policy of appeasement despite incidents such as slogans raised in Vidhana Soudhaand the burning of a Dalit MLA’s residence.

Congress Government’s Response

The Congress government defended the rehabilitation policy:

• Deputy CM Shivakumar said housing aid was limited to genuine beneficiaries under the Chief Minister’s housing scheme and was based on documents such as voter lists.
• The government clarified that it was not legalizing illegal construction but helping genuine homeless people.
• On accusations of Muslim appeasement, Shivakumar said: “No one should indulge in illegal encroachment. We are not ready to give any gifts to illegal encroachers.”
• Legal action would be taken against those who collected money for illegal constructions.

Wider Reactions

The demolition also drew criticism from Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, who called it a “brutal normalisation of the bulldozer raj.” Congress general secretary K C Venugopal conveyed the party high command’s concern, urging the state government to act with sensitivity and caution.

Shivakumar dismissed external criticism, emphasizing Karnataka’s autonomy in running its affairs and reaffirming that the government’s relief measures were humanitarian, not political.

The issue highlights the intersection of governance, migration, and politics, with debates over illegal settlements, minority rights, and regional priorities at the forefront.