Pro-Pak slogan allegations: BJP accuses Karnataka govt of trying to ‘cover up’ issue

Basavaraj Bommai, a leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and former Chief Minister of Karnataka, has accused the state government of attempting to conceal the alleged incident involving pro-Pakistan slogans.

“They are allowing pro-Pak (Pakistan) slogans inside Vidhan Sabha. This is a danger to the security and democracy of our country. Still, the government is not taking any action and they are trying to cover up the whole issue,” Bommai stated in an interview with ANI.

Earlier, BJP MLAs protested outside the Vidhan Soudha against the state government, demanding action over the alleged pro-Pakistan slogan incident. The legislators had also disrupted proceedings in the assembly, demanding the arrest of those who allegedly raised ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ slogans.

In response, Karnataka minister KH Muniyappa accused the BJP of exploiting the issue for political gain. “It seems to be politically motivated. They are taking the political advantage of this issue,” Muniyappa remarked.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah assured action once the forensic science laboratory (FSL) report is received. “As I have told you already government is committed, we’ll not spare any person once the report comes. We have given it for FSL. We’ll take action once the report comes,” he stated.

Meanwhile, state police detained a supporter of Congress MP-elect Syed Naseer Hussain in connection with the alleged incident. The person, identified as Mohmad Shafi Nashipudi, was present at Vidhana Soudha during the celebrations of Hussain’s win in the Rajya Sabha elections. Police collected his voice sample to analyze in connection with the alleged pro-Pakistan slogan video.

However, Syed Naseer Hussain dismissed the BJP’s allegations, stating, “I can understand the frustration of the BJP. They have lost badly… Had I heard that, I would have sent him to jail.”

The BJP had filed a complaint alleging that after Hussain’s election to the Rajya Sabha was declared, his supporters shouted ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ slogans at Vidhana Soudha.