Shashi Tharoor defends Bengalurus’ Kogilu Layout demolition, rejects ‘Bulldozer Raj’ charge

Congress MP says due process, court orders and prior notices were followed, while assuring that alternative arrangements have been promised to affected residents.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has publicly backed the Karnataka government’s demolition drive in Bengaluru, stating that the action was carried out strictly within the legal framework and after following all required procedures. His remarks come amid criticism from within the Congress party and sharp reactions from political opponents.

The demolition drive triggered a major political debate, with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan strongly criticising the Karnataka government and describing the action as “Bulldozer Raj.” However, Tharoor defended the state government’s decision, arguing that the issue should not be politicised without considering the facts.

Speaking to the media, Tharoor pointed out that the land in question belonged to the government and was occupied illegally. He added that the area had been used as a garbage dump, where toxic waste had contaminated water sources, making it unsafe for human habitation. “It was not a fit place for people to live,” Tharoor said, according to sources.

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The Thiruvananthapuram MP also stressed that residents were informed well in advance about the demolition. According to him, notices were issued before the action, and in several cases, they were served multiple times. He underlined that the Karnataka government acted in line with court orders and did not carry out the demolition arbitrarily.

Responding to criticism that the move targeted poor residents, Tharoor said it was unfair to frame the issue purely on political grounds. He acknowledged that there could be shortcomings in how the relocation process was handled and admitted that differing opinions on execution were valid. However, he emphasised that the government had assured the affected families that alternative arrangements would be made.

“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,” Tharoor said, adding that there was no need to unnecessarily provoke tensions around the issue.

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