'Don't Interfere': Shivakumar On Kerala CM's 'Bulldozer Action Against Muslims' Remark Amid Bengaluru Demolitions

Bengaluru Anti-Encroachment Drive: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday hit back at Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan after the latter criticised the former over an anti-encroachment drive in Bengaluru. Shivakumar advised Vijayan not to interfere in Karnataka's affairs amid a row over an anti-encroachment drive in North Bengaluru.

Earlier, on Friday, the Kerala Chief Minister slammed the Karnataka government over the reports of demolition of Muslim residential areas in Karnataka's capital, calling the action shocking and painful.

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Bulldozer Action Against Muslim Colonies: Vijayan

Vijayan wrote a Facebook post, criticising Vijayan over the bulldozer action in Fakir Colony and Waseem Layout, where Muslim families had been living for many years.

"The action of destroying Fakir Colony and Waseem Layout with a bulldozer, where Muslim people have been living in the capital city of Karnataka for years is extremely shocking and painful. Another version of the anti-minority aggressive politics implemented by Sangh Parivar in North India was seen in Karnataka. An entire population is forced to flee into the streets in the extreme cold. When the North Indian model bulldozer justice is stepping into South India, it is surprising that the Karnataka-led Congress has its own workforce. What will Congress justify the mass eviction of the rulers who should have taken precautions to provide beds for the poor and not to leave anyone out of their residences?" the Facebook post read.

Political Gimmicks At The Time Of The Elections: Shivakumar

Shivakumar termed Vijayan's reaction as a political statement ahead of the election in Kerala.

“It is all a political statement. Without knowing the facts, Pinarayi should not interfere in our state's affairs. These are all political gimmicks at the time of the elections,” Shivakumar, who is also Congress state president, said.

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He said it was unfortunate that senior leaders like Pinarayi Vijayan commented on the matter without knowing the facts of the issues in Bengaluru.

“Some people had encroached. It's a waste dump site. It was a quarry pit. It is a very dangerous place. A lot of health hazards are there and they (slum dwellers) illegally tried to occupy. It's land grabbing. Our government and the local MLA said this is very dangerous,” the Deputy CM said.
(With PTI inputs)