DK Shivakumar's "Don't Want Keralites" Remark Sparks Row, BJP Slams Congress

• Karnataka Dy CM DK Shivakumar stated, "We don't want any Keralites," responding to Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's criticism of Bengaluru's Kogilu demolition drive.
• Vijayan had termed the demolitions "anti-minority aggressive politics" and "bulldozer raj," alleging targeting of Muslim residents.
• Shivakumar's comment triggered a political row, with BJP's Shehzad Poonawalla and Rajeev Chandrasekhar accusing Congress of "anti-Kerala" and divisive politics.
• BJP questioned if Kerala Congress and leaders like Priyanka Gandhi Vadra agreed with Shivakumar's "anti-Malayali" statement.
• Shivakumar defended the demolitions as targeting encroachments on government "gomala" land, citing safety concerns and blaming "land sharks."

Why It Matters: DK Shivakumar's controversial "no Keralites" remark ignited a political storm, drawing BJP's ire over alleged divisive politics.