Since 2020, rights groups have accused Indian state governments, particularly under BJP, of targeted demolitions of Muslim-owned homes and businesses, allegedly in the name of “unauthorized construction” or “law enforcement.”
Key Incidents
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Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat saw dozens of demolitions post communal riots
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In many cases, no prior notice was issued
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Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch expressed concern
Estimated Impact
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Human rights activists estimate 700+ homes affected between 2020–2025
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Local Muslim populations report fear and legal helplessness
In mid‑2025, India witnessed one of its most intense eviction drives in Assam, where over 3,400 homes belonging primarily to Bengali-speaking Muslim families were demolished. Authorities framed it as a crackdown on illegal settlements, but critics argue the actions were politically motivated and disproportionately targeted Muslim communities, raising serious human rights concerns.Reuters+1The Times of India+1
Major Eviction Campaigns in Assam
Between May and July 2025, authorities in Assam executed mass bulldozing operations across districts like Goalpara, Dhubri, and Nalbari, displacing thousands. Critics suggest the timing aligned with upcoming state elections and suggest the government aimed to reshape demographics by targeting Muslim-majority communities.The Times of India Support efforts by groups like Jamiat Ulama‑i‑Hind report ~8,115 families impacted across these areas since November 2023.The Times of India
Unaffected neighboring settlements with similar demographics but primarily non-Muslim residents were reportedly spared, leading to allegations of communal discrimination.samaa.tv+15frontline.thehindu.com+15The Times of India+15
A Pattern across BJP-Governed States
Bulldozer demolitions have become symbolic in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, and Haryana—particularly following communal incidents. These operations are often described as “punitive demolitions,” targeting properties of alleged Muslim activists or protesters. In some cases, houses reportedly built under national government housing schemes such as PM Awas Yojana were also razed.apnews.com+7frontline.thehindu.com+7trt.global+7
Notably, Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Madhya Pradesh’s Shivraj Singh Chouhan have gained nicknames like “Bulldozer Baba” and “Bulldozer Mama” for routinely praising such actions.aljazeera.com+1frontline.thehindu.com+1
Human Rights Concerns & Legal Oversight
Rights organizations—including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch—have sharply criticized the operations as discriminatory, unlawful, and disproportionate. Some reports estimate 150,000 homes demolished and hundreds of thousands left homeless in just a few years.frontline.thehindu.com+1reddit.com+1
Judicial experts have noted violations of due process: houses are torn down often without prior notice or legal documentation, disproportionately affecting marginalized Muslim communities. High-profile activists like Afreen Fatima had their homes demolished after participating in protests; her family claims the action was publicly justified using vague charges like “unauthorized construction.”bbc.com+1time.com+1
Political Narrative vs Lived Reality
The BJP argues these demolitions enforce urban planning norms and fight illegal encroachments. But many affected residents—despite holding property records and legal documents—deny wrongdoing, highlighting inconsistencies. Affected families report loss of livelihood, shelter, and legal recourse. Their houses often become rubble overnight, with no rehabilitation plans in place.aljazeera.comtime.comscmp.com
Reuters coverage underscores the political subtext: state governments, particularly in Assam, are accused of targeting Muslim communities to appeal to anti-immigrant sentiment ahead of critical state polls.Reuters
In Delhi’s Ashok Vihar, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited eviction sites and called the actions “insensitive towards the poor and dismantling dignity” of the affected.The Times of India
Conclusion
The demolition drives across BJP-ruled states have escalated into a broader narrative of “bulldozer justice”—seen by critics as communal-state synergy targeting Muslim citizens. Legal experts and international observers warn that due process and India’s secular ideals are being eroded. Unless state mechanisms offer genuine accountability, affected communities may remain vulnerable to repeated displacement and disenfranchisement.
For further reading:

Reuters
The Times of India