Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on December 27, 2025, strongly advised Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan against interfering in the state's internal affairs following Vijayan's criticism of a recent demolition drive in Bengaluru. Shivakumar described Vijayan's remarks as "politically motivated" and urged senior leaders to refrain from commenting on Karnataka's matters "without knowing the facts." The exchange highlights a rare cross-state political spat between two prominent leaders from opposing political alliances, with Shivakumar emphasizing that local authorities are best positioned to address Bengaluru's complex urban challenges.

The controversy stems from a large-scale demolition operation conducted last week in Kogilu village near Yelahanka in North Bengaluru, where more than 200 houses in areas including Fakir Colony and Wasim Layout were razed as part of an anti-encroachment drive. On Friday, Pinarayi Vijayan took to Facebook to condemn the action, calling it "extremely shocking and painful" and expressing solidarity with the affected residents, many of whom belong to economically weaker sections. Vijayan's post framed the demolitions as an attack on the poor, drawing parallels to similar issues in other states and urging humane consideration in urban planning.

In response, D.K. Shivakumar defended the Karnataka government's actions, stating that the demolitions targeted illegal encroachments on government and public land, which had been carried out after due process, notices, and opportunities for residents to comply. He argued that senior politicians like Vijayan should first understand the "reality" of Bengaluru—a rapidly growing metropolis grappling with unplanned urbanization, lake encroachments, and infrastructure pressures—before issuing statements. Shivakumar stressed that such drives are necessary to reclaim public spaces and prevent further environmental degradation while ensuring that genuine residents would be rehabilitated as per policy.

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The verbal exchange underscores the political sensitivities surrounding demolition drives in urban India, where such actions often spark debates over development versus displacement. While the Karnataka government maintains that the operation was lawful and aimed at long-term city planning, opposition parties and civil society groups have criticized it for inadequate rehabilitation and alleged targeting of minority communities. Vijayan's intervention, coming from a fellow opposition-ruled state leader, has added a new dimension to the discourse, prompting calls for restraint and fact-based discussions across state lines as Bengaluru continues to balance growth with social equity.

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