Karnataka govt defends eviction drive,promises help for homeless | Bengaluru News

Bengaluru: Karnataka govt Saturday defended the removal of encroachments at Fakir Colony and Wasim Layout in Byatarayanapura assembly segment in Bengaluru, stating that the land was earmarked for waste management activities and was unfit for residential use. It also promised alternative arrangements for those displaced on humanitarian grounds.Responding to his Kerala counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan’s criticism, chief minister Siddaramaiah said the area was part of a govt-notified waste management zone. He said notices had been issued to people who had illegally settled on the govt land, directing them to vacate. “As they did not comply with the govt’s directions, the encroachment was cleared. Most of the residents were migrants. On humanitarian grounds, officials have been instructed to make alternative arrangements for shelter for those rendered homeless,” the CM added.The issue triggered a political row after Vijayan reportedly said, “The Karnataka govt is using a ‘bulldozer model’ on the lines of Uttar Pradesh to evict Muslims in Bengaluru.” In a Facebook post, he referred to the demolition, alleging it reflected minority-targeting politics.Deputy CM and Bengaluru development minister DK Shivakumar strongly rebutted the charge, asking Vijayan not to interfere in Karnataka’s internal affairs. “Without knowing the facts, Mr Vijayan should not interfere in our state’s affairs. These are political gimmicks ahead of elections. Those evicted with valid documents and those belonging to Karnataka will certainly be helped,” Shivakumar said, adding that he would send a detailed report to the Kerala chief minister.Explaining the background, Shivakumar said, “At that location, huts had come up overnight. After discussions with local representatives and officers, an order was issued to vacate the land, and the area has now been cleared. We are doing this work without troubling anyone. Those who are eligible will be rehabilitated. The slum had come up at the quarry site, notified 10 years ago for garbage dumping.”Shivakumar said the land falls under the Byatarayanapura assembly segment, represented by revenue minister Krishna Byre Gowda.“He is aware of the fact, and he was the one who directed officers not to allow any land grab attempts,” he added. Rejecting allegations of targeting any community, Shivakumar said, “It is not a question of minorities or other people. We don’t want to hurt anyone, but if anyone wants land and is eligible, we will definitely give houses.”In Udupi, minister Ramalinga Reddy said . “He (Vijayan) is the CMr of Kerala. Let him take care of his state first. We will manage our own state.”