Muslim League Leader P K Kunhalikutty Downplays Karnataka ‘Bulldozer Raj’, Defends Congress Government

Kasargod: Muslim League national general secretary P K Kunhalikutty has drawn criticism after downplaying the eviction of nearly 200 Muslim and Dalit families by the Congress government in Karnataka, a move that has been compared to the ‘bulldozer model’ followed in Uttar Pradesh under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Speaking to reporters in Kasaragod, Kunhalikutty said that the situation in Karnataka was not comparable to the bulldozer-driven demolitions seen in Uttar Pradesh. He claimed that people from all communities were affected by the evictions in Yelahanka, Bengaluru, and added that the Karnataka government had assured rehabilitation for those who lost their homes.

Kunhalikutty also said that Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan should engage in dialogue with the Karnataka Chief Minister to resolve the issue. He stated that it would be examined whether there were lapses in taking prior decisions related to the evictions.

Rejecting allegations of political opportunism, Kunhalikutty said that the Muslim League does not exploit situations for political gain. He expressed confidence that the party would receive its rightful number of seats in the upcoming Assembly elections and clarified that it would not demand additional seats. He also denied that there had been any discussions regarding seat-sharing arrangements, including the exchange of seats.