Congress vs BJP: Bengaluru Demolitions Spark Federalism Debate
Image Source: Internet
A bitter row has erupted in Karnataka between the ruling Congress and opposition BJP over the demolition of unauthorised constructions in Bengaluru. The controversy has drawn in the Congress high command, with General Secretary KC Venugopal accused of overstepping his authority and interfering in the state's administration. According to Leader of Opposition R Ashoka, Venugopal's involvement in the matter is a 'blatant overreach' that undermines the state's autonomy and federalism. Ashoka questioned whether Venugopal is the 'super CM' of Karnataka, implying that the Congress high command is dictating policies from Delhi. The BJP leader also pointed out the hypocrisy in Venugopal's concerns for Bengaluru's residents, given the alleged inaction on environmental issues affecting Karnataka's borders. 'Silence there, sermons here,' Ashoka said, criticising Venugopal's selective outrage. The controversy has pitted Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, who had earlier criticised the demolitions as a form of 'bulldozer justice', against Karnataka's Deputy CM DK Shivakumar. While Vijayan's remarks had sparked a heated debate, Shivakumar had advised him to respect Karnataka's internal matters. As the row escalates, the Congress high command's involvement in Karnataka's affairs has raised questions about the limits of federal intervention and the role of the centre in state governance.
