Bulldozers reach Muslim-majority Lakshadweep as Indian authorities demolish buildings
Opposition denounces ‘bulldozer raj’ and violation of legal safeguards
Kavaratti (Lakshadweep): The use of bulldozers has reached the Muslim-majority island territory of Lakshadweep, where Indian authorities demolished privately owned buildings under construction before the deadline for their owners to challenge the action had expired, sparking protests in the remote archipelago.
According to Kashmir Media Service, around four structures and their foundations were razed with heavy machinery on Agatti island, India’s Maktoob Media reported.
The federally appointed Lakshadweep administration claimed the construction had been carried out without the required land-conversion permission. However, the affected owners said they had been given seven days to respond to notices and seek legal remedies, and the demolition was carried out before the deadline expired.
Political tensions in Lakshadweep, a chain of coral islands in the Arabian Sea hundreds of kilometers off India’s southwestern coast, have intensified since Praful Khoda Patel, a BJP politician, was appointed administrator in 2020. A series of proposed regulations and administrative changes subsequently triggered protests, with critics arguing that policies introduced under his administration threatened local autonomy, land rights and cultural practices.
The latest demolitions are also not an isolated incident. Around 13 structures on the island, including a panchayat office, post office, warehouses and other public facilities, were demolished in 2025 amid plans for a city-center complex and other development projects.
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Lakshadweep residents and opposition parties have repeatedly challenged policies introduced by the New Delhi-appointed administration.
The latest demolitions have also drawn attention because the use of bulldozers has become politically contentious across India. Demolitions of homes and businesses, including properties belonging to Muslims following communal unrest or protests, have prompted allegations of collective punishment.
Opposition politicians in Lakshadweep have invoked that wider controversy surrounding what is commonly called “bulldozer raj” while protesting the Agatti action.
NCP General Secretary O.P. Jabbar and Congress leader M.I. Dilshad were detained after reaching the demolition site to protest and were later released.
National Youth Congress Lakshadweep leader Junaid said the administration was attempting to introduce “bulldozer raj” in Lakshadweep, adding that the demolitions violated safeguards laid down by the Indian Supreme Court. Opposition leaders said they would challenge the action through legal channels.
