P Chidambaram Condemns Karnataka Minister's 'Bulldozer Justice' Proposal in Anti-Drug Campaign

Former Union Minister P Chidambaram has expressed strong opposition to Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara's controversial statement regarding potential demolition of drug peddlers' houses.

Bengaluru:

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram has publicly criticized Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara over comments suggesting the state might employ bulldozers to demolish homes of drug peddlers, sparking an internal debate within the ruling party.

Parameshwara had earlier stated that the government was implementing "strict action against drug peddlers on a daily basis" and mentioned officials were not only pursuing offenders and taking action against those providing rental accommodations to them but also contemplating "razing down their houses."

Responding forcefully via social media, Chidambaram expressed alarm at these statements. "I hope the report is wrong. The Supreme Court has declared the law: demolishing homes without due process is illegal and will violate the rights of other family members to a shelter," he emphasized.

Chidambaram highlighted that the Congress Party has consistently opposed what has been termed "bulldozer justice" as practiced in Uttar Pradesh, warning: "Let not a Congress-governed state like Karnataka go down the illegal path of UP."

The Home Minister's remarks have raised significant questions about Karnataka's approach to drug enforcement and created space for both internal party criticism and attacks from opposition parties.