Senior Congress leader KC Venugopal has advised Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to handle the ongoing demolitions near Bengaluru's Kogilu village with compassion. The drive has triggered internal party dissent and protests, while drawing criticism from opposition figures. Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar have defended the actions as necessary to remove illegal encroachments.
The demolition drive in Kogilu village near Bengaluru has become a flashpoint in Karnataka politics. Initiated to clear illegal encroachments on public land, the evictions have affected migrant workers' housing, leading to widespread protests by groups like the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI). Within the Congress party, which governs Karnataka, tensions have surfaced as senior leaders call for a more humane approach.
KC Venugopal, the Congress general secretary, urged Siddaramaiah to act with compassion, highlighting the need for caution in such operations. This internal dissent underscores the political challenges facing the state government. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar have firmly defended the bulldozer actions, emphasizing the protection of public land from unauthorized occupations.
The controversy has spilled over beyond Karnataka, with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticizing the demolitions as anti-minority measures. Opposition parties have seized on the issue, amplifying calls for accountability and fair treatment of affected residents. The events, reported on December 28, 2025, illustrate the delicate balance between urban development and social welfare in India's rapidly growing cities.
