Kerala–Karnataka Bulldozer Row: INDIA Bloc Allies Clash Over Bengaluru Demolitions

A political row has erupted between INDIA bloc allies after the Karnataka government carried out a demolition drive in Kogilu village near Bengaluru, rendering hundreds of families homeless overnight. The action has drawn sharp criticism from Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who described it as the “North Indian model of bulldozer justice” entering South India. The Karnataka government has defended the move, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announcing alternative housing for evictees from January 1 and promising action against officials who allegedly enabled illegal encroachments. The remarks from Kerala leaders, including CPM MP John Brittas, have triggered strong reactions from Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Home Minister G Parameshwara, escalating tensions between the two southern states. The episode has exposed visible cracks within the INDIA bloc, raising questions over governance, legality and political accountability as allies publicly spar over the use of bulldozers and the human cost of demolition drives.