Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday lashed out at Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan over the latter's remarks on the demolition drive in Bengaluru.
Describing Vijayan's remark as "unfortunate," Shivakumar said that senior leaders like him should not interfere in the matter "without knowing the facts" on the ground.
Speaking to the media in Bengaluru, the Congress leader asserted that the action was aimed at protecting public land, not targeting any community. He added that people from outside the state must first understand Bengaluru's realities before making political comments.
#WATCH | Bengaluru | On Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's statement on recent devlotion drive in Karanataka, Dy CM DK Shivakumar says, "It is very unfortunate. Senior leaders like Pinarayi should know the issues in Bengaluru. Some people have encroached there. It is a waste… pic.twitter.com/3y3MlTfTCR
— ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2025
Vjayan, in a Facebook post on Friday, had criticised the bulldozing of Fakir Colony and Waseem Layout, where Muslim families had been living for many years.
The Kerala CM alleged that the incident reflected a form of minority-targeting politics seen earlier in North India and warned that such practices were now spreading to the South. He also questioned how such forced evictions could be justified by a party that claims to stand for social justice.
In a sharp retort, Shivakumar said the area in question was an encroached waste dumpsite and alleged that land mafia interests were behind attempts to turn it into a slum.
"We have humanity. We gave people an opportunity to move to new places. Only a few of them are locals," he said.
"Senior leaders like Pinarayi Vijayan should know the issues in Bengaluru. We know our city well, and we don't want to entertain slums that promote land mafia activities," Shivakumar further said.
