← POLITICS 12/28/2025

A recent demolition drive targeting what authorities claim were illegal structures in Bengaluru has escalated into a major political controversy, pitting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) against the ruling Congress party in Karnataka. The BJP has launched a sharp attack on Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, questioning his authority and suggesting he is acting as a ‘super chief minister.’

The controversy centers around the demolition of properties, with the BJP alleging bias and targeting of specific communities. They have accused Venugopal of overstepping his role and interfering in state matters. The BJP’s criticism comes after concerns were raised about the demolition drive disproportionately affecting Muslim-owned properties, a claim amplified by some reports.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, initially appearing somewhat divided on the issue, have now publicly presented a united front, defending the demolition drive as necessary to remove illegal encroachments. However, the initial internal unease highlighted potential fissures within the Congress leadership.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) in Kerala has also weighed in, using the Bengaluru demolitions to draw parallels between the Congress and the Sangh Parivar, further complicating the political landscape. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s comments on the issue prompted a request from D.K. Shivakumar to refrain from commenting on Karnataka’s internal affairs. The situation underscores the delicate balance of power within the Karnataka Congress and the potential for political exploitation of sensitive issues.