India, Dec. 28 -- The Congress found itself handling dissent from within and criticism from outside after a demolition drive at Kogila Layout in Karnataka's Bengaluru triggered a political row, while prompting a rare show of unity between state chief minister and his deputy who otherwise are seen to be in a power tussle.

While senior party leader KC Venugopal urged the Karnataka government to act with greater compassion, chief minister Siddaramaiah and deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar mounted a united defence of the action, pushing back strongly against criticism from Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

The controversy centres on the eviction of several families from Kogila Layout near Yelahanka on December 20. Vijayan criticised...