Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has backed the Karnataka government's controversial demolition drive at Bengaluru's Kogilu Layout, emphasizing legal procedures and relocation promises, following initial party calls for compassion.
In a follow-up to the December 20, 2025, demolition at Kogilu Layout near Yelahanka—which evicted families from illegal structures on a toxic garbage dump—Congress MP Shashi Tharoor defended the Karnataka government's actions on Friday. The drive, which sparked internal party criticism including from general secretary KC Venugopal urging compassion and protests by groups like SDPI, was deemed necessary due to health hazards from contaminated water.
"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 told PTI. He noted multiple prior notices to residents and that the government promised temporary accommodation and permanent housing within five to six months, in line with court directions.
While acknowledging potential relocation flaws, Tharoor urged against provocation, as solutions are underway. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has similarly stressed the site's unsuitability for habitation, countering labels like 'bulldozer raj' from Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan.
