BJP says there is ‘collapse of law and order’ in Karnataka

The BJP on Saturday mounted a sharp offensive against the Congress government, alleging a complete breakdown of law and order in Karnataka.

Addressing a public gathering in Ballari city, organised as a show of strength in the backdrop of the January 1 banner-related clash and firing incident that claimed the life of Congress worker Rajashekhar Reddy, BJP State president B.Y. Vijayendra said the recent incidents of violence, firing, murders, robberies, and assaults in Ballari were “direct evidence” of the collapse of governance in the State.

‘Covering up’

“Even after a firing incident that led to the death of an innocent party worker, the government has not shown any sense of responsibility. Attempts are being made to dilute and cover up serious cases,” he alleged.

Mr. Vijayendra also clarified that the BJP leadership had no objection to the padayatra announced by former Minister B. Sriramulu and MLA for Gangavati Gali Janardhana Reddy, asserting that it was a struggle for justice and not directed against any individual or community.

Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said violence could not be justified under any circumstances. “The clash was politically motivated. Political hatred should not be allowed to push the State into violence,” he said.

Former Deputy Chief Minister Govind Karjol accused the Congress government of suppressing democratic dissent and claimed that public anger against the government was rising. He warned that the Ballari protest would mark the beginning of a State-wide agitation against “misrule and political violence”.

Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy questioned the delay in arrests.

The BJP leaders collectively demanded the immediate arrest of Bharath Reddy and sought the transfer of the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation.

₹10 lakh to victim’s family

Earlier in the day, senior BJP leaders visited the residence of Rajashekhar Reddy. Mr. Janardhana Reddy and his wife Aruna Lakshmi presented a cheque for ₹10 lakh to the bereaved family.

Mr. Sriramulu promised the family that the BJP would stand by them.