DK Shivakumar Tells Kerala CM ‘Don’t Interfere’ in Bengaluru Row

December 27, 2025

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has hit back at Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, telling him not to interfere in Karnataka’s affairs following Vijayan’s criticism of a recent demolition drive in Bengaluru. Vijayan had described the action as “shocking and painful” and likened it to a “bulldozer raj,” prompting a sharp response from Shivakumar.

Addressing the media in Bengaluru, Shivakumar called Vijayan’s comments “unfortunate” and insisted that senior leaders should not comment on matters without fully understanding the facts on the ground.

Demolition Drive and Kerala CM’s Remarks

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan had taken to social media to criticise the reported clearance of Fakir Colony and Waseem Layout in north Bengaluru, where several families including Muslims who had lived there for years were affected in the anti-encroachment campaign. Vijayan described the action as showing a trend of minority-targeted politics and “bulldozer justice.”

Vijayan’s remarks triggered debate between leaders from the two states, with Shivakumar taking exception to what he called “political statements” made without knowing Bengaluru’s realities.

Shivakumar’s Defence of the Drive

Shivakumar defended his government’s action, saying the sites in question were illegal encroachments on a waste dump and quarry pit, posing health hazards and risks to public safety. He claimed the slum structures were put up overnight and that “land mafia” interests were trying to exploit the area.

“We are not into bulldozers,” Shivakumar said, emphasising that the aim was to protect public land rather than target any particular community. He stressed that those found eligible would be rehabilitated under schemes such as the Rajiv Gandhi Awas Yojana, and the state government planned houses for many genuine applicants.

Call to Avoid Interference

Shivakumar made a direct appeal to the Kerala CM to refrain from commenting or getting involved in the internal affairs of Karnataka. He termed such comments as political gimmicks, particularly given the timing ahead of elections in Kerala, and said senior leaders should first familiarise themselves with on-the-ground facts before issuing statements.

He also clarified that no bulldozers were used in the drive and that the state was committed to humane action, rehabilitation and adherence to rules while handling encroachments.

Political and Regional Tensions

This exchange highlights growing political tensions between states amid sensitive issues such as demolitions and minority concerns. The differing narratives one focusing on clearing illegal encroachments and another framing it as discriminatory have underscored broader debates about governance, human rights and inter-state commentary in India’s federal landscape.

As the row continues, both parties are expected to further justify their positions in public discourse, potentially shaping perceptions ahead of key regional elections in southern India.