In a press conference held at the BJP state office “Jagannath Bhavan” in Malleswaram on Tuesday, party state President B.Y. Vijayendra expressed strong condemnation for the Congress-led Karnataka government’s decision to reopen a 31-year-old case in Hubli and the subsequent arrest of a Hindu activist Srikanth Pujari.
Vijayendra accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s government of being anti-Hindu and questioned the motive behind reviving an old case that dates back to the prelude of the Ram Janmabhoomi dispute. He criticised the timing of the arrest, which coincided with the joyous occasion of the installation of Lord Sri Rama in Ayodhya on January 22.
“By choosing such a situation, the Chief Minister has demonstrated that this is an anti-Hindu government,” Vijayendra declared, stressing that the state-wide protest planned for Wednesday (January 3) is an expression of discontent against the government’s actions.
The BJP leader denounced the government’s interference with the celebration surrounding the Ayodhya event and accused it of hurting the sentiments of Hindus across the country.
Vijayendra announced a massive protest to be held in all district centres, in addition to Freedom Park in Bangalore, as a mark of opposition against the alleged anti-Hindu stance of the Congress government.
Vijayendra highlighted the 31-year-old case involving riots in Hubli before the Karseva on December 5, 1992. The case, initially registered against nine individuals, including Hindu activists, remained dormant for decades. The accused, who were in their 30s at the time, are now in their 65-70s.
“The Congress government’s relentless pursuit of old cases, particularly on the brink of the Ayodhya celebrations, is a cause for concern,” Vijayendra stated. He held Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Home Minister responsible for the unfolding events, warning of repercussions in the future.
As the BJP gears up for a statewide protest, Vijayendra urged people from all parties to condemn the government’s actions. He stressed that Ayodhya is an emotional issue and the birthplace of Lord Rama, and the Congress government’s decisions have only served to hurt the sentiments of Hindus and Hindu activists.