Goa, Dec. 13 -- A remark by Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on the possibility of demolishing the houses of drug peddlers has triggered sharp criticism from senior Congress leader and former Union Minister P Chidambaram, leading to an internal debate within the ruling party.

Parameshwara had said that the Karnataka government was taking "strict action against drug peddlers on a daily basis," adding that authorities were not only tracking offenders and initiating action against those renting out homes to them, but were also exploring the option of "razing down their houses."

Reacting strongly, Chidambaram took to social media to express concern over the statement, saying he was "alarmed" by the remarks. He cautioned that such acti...