A political controversy erupted in Karnataka after Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar made remarks about people from Kerala while responding to questions regarding the Kogilu demolition drive in Bengaluru. The demolition exercise had come under criticism from Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who described the action as “anti-minority aggressive politics” and compared it to a “bulldozer raj”, alleging that Muslim residents were being unfairly targeted.

During a press interaction, when questioned about Kerala’s involvement or criticism, Shivakumar stated, “We don’t want any Keralites. Our Chief Minister is there, let him do his job.” The remark immediately drew sharp reactions from political circles, with the BJP describing it as an anti-Kerala statement and condemning the divisive tone.

BJP targets Congress leadership
BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla questioned whether the Congress leadership in Kerala endorsed Shivakumar’s comment. In a post on X, he termed the statement an insult to Kerala and its people, and specifically asked whether Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, a Congress MP from Kerala, supported the remark. Poonawalla also accused the Congress of undermining Indian institutions, showing a lack of faith in nationalist principles, and relying on foreign influences over Indian governance.

Further, Poonawalla alleged that the rivalry between the Left and Congress in Kerala had escalated to the point that Shivakumar was making openly anti-Kerala and anti-Malayali statements. He criticised Congress for hypocrisy, pointing out that while the party condemned bulldozer drives in states like Uttar Pradesh, it was carrying out similar demolition exercises in Karnataka.

Criticism from senior leaders
Former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar also weighed in, accusing Congress of practising divisive politics based on geography, caste, religion, and language. He emphasised that Congress often projects a message of unity while engaging in regional or identity-based political manoeuvres. Chandrasekhar further satirically suggested that by the same logic, one could question the presence of “Italians and half Italians” in Kerala and across India.

Shivakumar defends Kogilu demolition drive
Responding to the backlash, DK Shivakumar defended the Kogilu demolition drive, stating that the operation targeted recent encroachments on government gomala land earmarked for solid waste management. He highlighted that the area was unsafe for habitation and clarified that notices had been issued to residents before the demolitions were carried out. Shivakumar’s defence focused on administrative necessity and legality, rather than engaging directly with the criticisms of perceived communal targeting.

The incident has intensified political tensions between Karnataka and Kerala leaderships, drawing national attention. With the BJP highlighting divisive and anti-Keralite undertones in Shivakumar’s comments, the controversy has become a focal point of criticism against Congress ahead of future state-level elections.

In conclusion, DK Shivakumar’s remark has sparked a political row, with the BJP accusing Congress of divisive politics and leaders defending administrative action while critics decry the anti-Keralite tone. The Kogilu demolition drive, combined with Shivakumar’s comments, underscores the sensitive intersection of governance, regional identity, and political rhetoric in contemporary Indian politics.

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