The Congress in Karnataka has led to a complete breakdown of law and order in the state, bringing disrepute to Karnataka and Brand Bengaluru, said Karnataka BJP chief BY Vijayendra. Speaking to News18, the leader stated that the government’s failure to take stringent measures against acts of violence and offenders has allowed criminal elements to roam freely, making Bengaluru and Karnataka unsafe.
Referring to the recent ‘selective’ decision by the Siddaramaiah government to withdraw charges against All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leaders, who were booked for protests during the COVID-19 pandemic, Vijayendra also highlighted the increasing number of road rage cases in Bengaluru. He alleged that the Congress government has been unable to maintain law and order in the city, allowing miscreants to act without consequence.
Wake Up: BJP to Siddaramaiah Govt
In its role as part of a responsible Opposition, the BJP has been urging the Siddaramaiah-led administration to “wake up” and take immediate action to ensure the safety of the people of the state. “It seems as if they are giving shelter to such elements. The erratic decisions of the government — failing to act against offenders while simultaneously letting rioters go free — suggest they are empowering these individuals to do as they please. The government must be held accountable for that,” Vijayendra told News18.
Earlier, Vijayendra shared a viral video on social media, pointing out that such incidents have been increasing in the last year and a half — the period since the Congress came to power. The video showed a two-wheeler blocking a car late at night and attempting to confront the couple inside. The incident took place on Kadubeesanahalli-Panathur Road on Sunday.
The video shows how the two-wheeler rider suddenly stops a car in the middle of a poorly lit road and demands that the couple inside steps out. The incident, captured on the car’s dash cam, shows how the couple was being threatened until local bystanders intervened, forcing the assailant to flee.
“The Congress government, which claims to be building Brand Bengaluru, has completely failed to maintain law and order, to say the least,” said Vijayendra. He added that reports of miscreants intercepting ordinary citizens at night in the city are increasing and demanded an explanation from the government on what is being done about it.
ಬ್ರ್ಯಾಂಡ್ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ಮಾಡುವುದಾಗಿ ಅಧಿಕಾರಕ್ಕೆ ಬಂದ ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್ ಸರ್ಕಾರ ಕನಿಷ್ಠ ಪಕ್ಷ ಕಾನೂನು ಸುವ್ಯವಸ್ಥೆಯನ್ನು ಕಾಪಾಡುವಲ್ಲಿಯೂ ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣ ವಿಫಲವಾಗಿದೆ. ರಾತ್ರಿಯಾದರೆ ಪುಂಡರು, ಕಿಡಿಗೇಡಿಗಳು ನಡು ರಸ್ತೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಅಟ್ಟಹಾಸ ಮೆರೆಯುತ್ತಿರುವುದು ದಿನೇ ದಿನೇ ವರದಿಯಾಗುತ್ತಲೇ ಇವೆ.ತಡರಾತ್ರಿ ಕಾಡುಬೀಸನಹಳ್ಳಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾರಿನಲ್ಲಿ… pic.twitter.com/rLuFITHob4
— Vijayendra Yediyurappa (@BYVijayendra) October 14, 2024
On X (formerly Twitter), he also posted: “During the last year and a half of Congress rule, Karnataka has seen a breakdown of law and order, as well as a series of corruption scandals, with no progress towards development.”
Congress Engaging in Appeasement Politics: Vijayendra
He also commented on the release of AIMIM leaders, including Zahiruddin Ansari, who had been booked for organising a ‘Hijab is our right’ procession in Aland, Kalaburagi district.
“This is typical of the Congress—engaging in appeasement politics. Clearly, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is trying to divert attention from the MUDA land scam allegations by taking such actions,” the BJP chief remarked.
The Karnataka government stirred controversy by selectively dropping cases related to protests held during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The protests during the third wave of COVID-19, when gatherings were banned under the Epidemic Diseases Act, led to the arrest of those involved. The BJP claims that cases against Hindu students from Harihara, Davangere district, including graduates Dhanush and Maruthi, were not withdrawn despite a sub-committee’s recommendation. These students had been charged with unlawful assembly, rioting, and forcibly removing hijabs from Muslim girls during a protest against the hijab at Harihar First Grade College during the height of the anti-hijab protests.
The BJP has been criticising the Congress for its alleged appeasement of minorities for vote-bank politics and, in continued protests, showed black flags to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s convoy in Hubballi.
Vijayendra also cited another example of the breakdown in law and order: in May this year, a mob of at least 25 men attacked Channagiri police station, injuring police personnel. This was allegedly in retaliation to the custodial death of a local carpenter.
He accused the Congress of allowing those who attacked the police station to go free. “This shows the extent of minority appeasement. Those who attacked the police station likely felt they could do as they pleased and get away with it because the Congress is in power,” he had earlier stated.
Cases Against BJP Leaders Withdrawn Too: Siddaramaiah
Siddaramaiah defended the decision to withdraw the cases, stating it was a recommendation made by a committee, with the final decision resting with the High Court.
“If the court agrees, the cases will be withdrawn; otherwise, we cannot proceed. Our government has also withdrawn cases against BJP leaders, so the allegations by BJP leaders are baseless. Pralhad Joshi himself is a big terrorist,” Siddaramaiah said, attacking the Hubballi MP who had criticised him.
Reacting to this statement, Union Minister Joshi hit back, saying the Chief Minister was mentally distressed.
“Siddaramaiah is clearly distressed. One should not reach such a low point. Power comes and goes in politics, but he seems to be terrified of losing power. The High Court’s recent ruling has shaken him. We used to exchange jibes, but this is now reaching an indecent level. He has lost his mental balance and needs treatment,” Joshi remarked.
