Kogilu Layout demolition row: Kerala MLA K.T. Jaleel visits site, assures support to displaced residents

The eviction of alleged illegal houses at Bengaluru’s Kogilu Layout has escalated into a political confrontation, with Kerala leaders accusing the Karnataka government of following a ‘bulldozer policy’ while displaced residents continue to live in distress at the site.

The demolition drive at Kogilu Layout in Bengaluru has now gone far beyond a local encroachment issue, turning into a major political controversy between the governments of Kerala and Karnataka. What began as an eviction of alleged illegal houses has triggered sharp political reactions, cross-border visits by Kerala leaders, and growing humanitarian concerns on the ground.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan publicly targeted the Congress-led Karnataka government through a social media post, accusing it of adopting a “Sangh Parivar-style bulldozer policy.” His remarks sparked a political war of words, with Kerala leaders openly questioning the intent and timing of the eviction.

Following the CM’s post, political activity at the demolition site intensified. On Wednesday, a delegation of Kerala Members of Parliament visited Kogilu Layout. On Sunday, a delegation of Kerala MLAs was expected, with former minister and MLA K.T. Jaleel confirming his visit to the site to listen to the grievances of the affected residents.

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Former Union Minister and JD(S) leader C.M. Ibrahim also visited the eviction site, adding another political dimension to the issue. His presence coincided with the visit of the Kerala delegation, drawing significant attention.

Meanwhile, the situation of the displaced residents remains grim. Families whose houses were demolished have refused to leave the site. They are currently living on the cleared land itself, covering the area with tarpaulin sheets. Many residents have been on the streets for the past eight days, struggling without proper food or drinking water.

Residents alleged that the government has not provided any basic facilities since the eviction. They said only social and religious organisations are arranging food and water. Although a gruel centre has been opened around three kilometres away, residents have refused to go there, fearing that authorities might completely clear the land and fence it off if they leave.

The residents are demanding proper rehabilitation. They said they have already met Housing Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan and conveyed their problems. According to them, the minister has promised to visit the site, after which they will decide their next course of action.

Kerala MLA K.T. Jaleel, after visiting the site, strongly criticised the Karnataka government. He alleged that the demolition was carried out at 4 am, without allowing even children to take their books. He accused the Congress government of following Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s bulldozer policy and failing to provide basic amenities before the eviction.

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Jaleel said that if the Karnataka government does not ensure proper arrangements for the affected people, Kerala would extend support through its social organisations. He also accused the government of being anti-minority and anti-Dalit.

Former Union Minister C.M. Ibrahim, speaking to residents, questioned local leaders for seeking votes and abandoning people later. He demanded that houses be constructed on the same land or that compensation of ₹5 lakh be given to each affected family. He also challenged political leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, to visit the site and address the issue.

With Kerala leaders intensifying pressure and residents continuing their protest, the Kogilu Layout demolition has now emerged as a major political and administrative headache for the Karnataka government.