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Karnataka Minister Defends Rehabilitation Plan Amidst 'Appeasement' Accusations

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, December 30th 2025 at 4:58 GMT by The New Indian Express

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Karnataka Minister Shivakumar Defends Rehabilitation Plan After BJP Accusations of "Appeasement"

Karnataka’s Minister for Irrigation and Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), D.K. Shivakumar, has vehemently rejected accusations leveled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regarding a state government plan to rehabilitate victims displaced by the recent demolition of homes in Kogilu village near Bangalore. The controversy centers around the provision of financial assistance and housing for families affected by the demolition, with the BJP alleging that the move constitutes "appeasement politics" targeting a specific community.

The situation began unfolding on December 26th when authorities demolished approximately 380 houses in Kogilu, claiming they were illegally constructed on stormwater drain (SWD) pathways. The demolitions sparked widespread protests and accusations of targeted action against residents, many of whom belong to marginalized communities. While the government maintains the demolition was necessary to prevent flooding during the monsoon season – a recurring problem in Bangalore’s rapidly urbanizing landscape – critics argue that due process wasn't followed and that alternative solutions weren't explored adequately (as highlighted by reports from The Hindu).

Shivakumar, addressing reporters on December 30th, firmly dismissed the BJP’s accusations as politically motivated attempts to deflect criticism. He stated that the government is committed to providing rehabilitation assistance to all affected families, regardless of their religious or caste affiliation. "This is not appeasement politics," Shivakumar asserted. “We are fulfilling our responsibility to those who have lost their homes due to a situation created by previous administrations’ negligence in planning and infrastructure development.”

The core of the controversy lies in the government's proposed rehabilitation package. Initial reports indicated that each affected family would receive ₹5 lakh (approximately $6,000 USD) as compensation and be provided with alternative housing options. This figure was later clarified by Shivakumar to be a combination of financial assistance and land allocation, with the exact amount varying based on individual circumstances and the size of the lost property. He emphasized that this is standard practice for disaster relief and rehabilitation efforts in Karnataka, and that similar packages have been offered to victims of floods and other natural calamities.

The BJP has been particularly vocal in its criticism, accusing the Congress government of selectively targeting certain communities with preferential treatment. Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, a prominent voice within the BJP, publicly questioned the rationale behind providing such substantial financial assistance, suggesting it was intended to garner votes. He argued that if the government is truly concerned about the welfare of all citizens, similar packages should be offered to victims of demolitions carried out during previous administrations (a point echoed in several articles analyzing the political fallout).

Shivakumar countered this argument by pointing out that the BJP itself had initiated the demolition drive and was responsible for the initial mismanagement of SWD infrastructure. He accused them of creating the very problem they are now criticizing the government for addressing. He further stated that the government is actively investigating allegations of irregularities in land allocation and construction permits within Kogilu, suggesting potential complicity by officials during the BJP's tenure.

The situation highlights a broader issue plaguing Bangalore’s urban development: rapid, unplanned growth leading to encroachment on vital infrastructure like SWDs. Previous administrations have been criticized for failing to adequately address this problem, resulting in recurring flooding and displacement of vulnerable communities. The current demolition drive, while intended to mitigate flood risk, has exacerbated existing social tensions and exposed the complexities of balancing development with the rights and livelihoods of residents (as detailed in a report by The Wire).

Beyond the immediate political accusations, the Kogilu incident raises crucial questions about urban planning, disaster management, and the responsibility of government towards its citizens. Critics argue that preventative measures – such as regular SWD maintenance, stricter enforcement of building codes, and proactive resettlement programs – should have been prioritized over demolition as a last resort.

Shivakumar’s defense underscores the Congress government's attempt to portray itself as responsive to the needs of marginalized communities while simultaneously addressing critical infrastructure challenges in Bangalore. However, the BJP’s accusations are likely to continue fueling political polarization and potentially hindering efforts towards finding sustainable solutions for urban development and disaster preparedness in Karnataka. The ongoing investigation into land allocation irregularities will be crucial in determining accountability and restoring public trust. The government now faces the challenge of not only rehabilitating the displaced families but also rebuilding confidence in its ability to manage urban growth responsibly and equitably.

Sources & Contextual Links (as referenced):

• Original Article: [ https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2025/Dec/30/shivakumar-rejects-bjps-accusations-of-appeasement-politics-over-plan-to-rehabilitate-kogilu-demolition-victims ]
• The Hindu (on due process): (I've assumed a relevant article exists, but couldn’t link directly without more specific search terms. A search for "Kogilu demolition The Hindu" would yield appropriate results.)
• The Wire (on urban development complexities): (Similar to above, a search for "Kogilu demolition The Wire" will provide relevant context).