Govt weighs rehabilitation of genuine locals amidst eviction row in Kogilu

Karnataka govt reviews Kogilu eviction row; CM to meet officials. Genuine locals may get rehabilitation as demolitions spark political backlash

The demolition of houses in Kogilu, north Bengaluru, has sparked a major political controversy, prompting the Karnataka government to consider rehabilitation measures for affected residents. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated that the administration is examining options to support genuine local families who lost their homes during the drive. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is expected to convene a meeting to review the issue and explore possible solutions.

On December 20, Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited cleared structures in Waseem Layout and Fakir Colony to make way for a proposed solid waste processing unit. Officials maintained that the houses had been built without official permission and that many occupants were migrants from other states. The eviction has left several families displaced, with some refusing to leave the area despite the demolition.

The incident quickly escalated into a political row. Leaders from Kerala, including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and MLA K.T. Jaleel, criticised the action, questioning how residents had access to voter IDs, electricity connections, and Aadhaar cards if their homes were deemed illegal. Their involvement was viewed by Karnataka leaders as politically motivated, particularly with upcoming elections in Kerala.

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Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal expressed concern over the humanitarian impact of the demolition, urging greater sensitivity in such actions. His remarks drew sharp criticism from the opposition BJP, which accused him of interfering in Karnataka’s governance and questioned the role of the Congress high command in state affairs. BJP leaders argued that Karnataka deserves autonomy and respect without external intervention.

In response, Shivakumar clarified that Venugopal’s comments were advisory in nature and not interference in administration. Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan also alleged that Kerala leaders were using the issue to appeal to minority vote banks.

The state government has indicated that rehabilitation under housing schemes may be extended to genuine local residents affected by the eviction. With political tensions rising, the upcoming meeting led by Siddaramaiah is expected to determine the course of action, balancing urban development needs with humanitarian concerns.

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