Synopsis
In a fiery address, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah declared that Congress would never submit to the threats posed by BJP and RSS. Amidst protests and disruptions during his speech in Belagavi, Siddaramaiah confronted the BJP's actions and their history, challenging their contributions to India. The tension highlights ongoing political strife in Karnataka.Key Takeaways
- Congress stands firm against BJP-RSS threats.
- Siddaramaiah challenges BJP's historical contributions.
- Protests erupted during a Congress meeting in Belagavi.
- BJP women workers voiced their anger over Siddaramaiah's remarks.
- Security concerns regarding the Central government's handling were raised.
Belagavi, April 28 (NationPress) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asserted that the Congress will never submit to the intimidation of the BJP and RSS after his speech was interrupted by BJP women workers in Belagavi on Monday.
“I possess the strength to confront all of you openly. Our supporters share this strength. We refuse to yield or submit to the empty threats posed by the BJP and RSS,” he stated.
Siddaramaiah criticized the BJP for what he termed as “anti-national” governance and “anti-people” actions, expressing his outrage at the BJP workers who interrupted his address.
“While Indians were laying down their lives in resistance to British rule, where were the members of the Sangh Parivar? Why didn’t you engage in the freedom struggle? What were you doing back then? Innocent Indians, including three Kannadigas, were brutally slain in Pahalgam. Isn’t this a major security lapse by the Central government? Shouldn’t we question your failure to safeguard our citizens? And when we do, you disrupt the event?” he inquired.
He further noted that for 52 years post-independence, the RSS did not even raise the Indian national flag at its office. “Aren’t you embarrassed by that?” he questioned.
He continued by asking what contributions the BJP or the Sangh Parivar have made from the freedom struggle to the establishment of modern India.
“You speak of patriotism without any remorse. Apart from causing division in Indian society, what have you contributed to our nation over the years? Tell the citizens of India,” he challenged.
The BJP women workers interrupted Siddaramaiah’s speech during a protest organized by Congress in Belagavi city against the Central government’s alleged price increases, anti-people policies, and anti-national administration.
While he was speaking, BJP women workers began chanting slogans against him, criticizing his statement that 'India should not engage in war with Pakistan'.
One protest leader exclaimed, “How can they have any shame? Siddaramaiah suggests negotiating with Pakistan. Has he acknowledged the loss of life among Hindus due to terror attacks? Has he witnessed the grief of young widows? How many lives were lost? Newly married girls had not even washed away the mehndi from their hands before their husbands were killed,” she declared.
Even as she was taken away by police, she continued to shout, “Go back Siddaramaiah, go back to Pakistan. When Indians are slaughtered, CM Siddaramaiah seeks negotiation,” she insisted.
The police faced challenges in escorting the BJP workers as numerous Congress supporters attempted to confront them.
Congress members allegedly used offensive language towards the BJP workers and even tried to physically harm them. At one point, the protestors managed to halt a police vehicle, opening its door in an attempt to attack the BJP workers.
However, police managed to disperse the protestors and transported the BJP members to a secure location.
The disruption erupted as Siddaramaiah criticized the Central government, and as he asserted that the allegations were baseless, chaos ensued when BJP workers raised slogans against him.
Clearly agitated, Siddaramaiah questioned their identity. The organizers quickly intervened, directing police to act, and began chanting pro-Congress slogans, shouting “Jai Congress,” “Jai Siddaramaiah,” and “Bolo Bharat Mata Ki Jai.” They also encouraged the crowd to chant against the BJP.
Disturbed by the situation, Siddaramaiah demanded to know the whereabouts of the police and questioned who was in charge. As he spoke in a tense manner, AICC General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala and others rushed to him and turned off the microphone.
Earlier, Siddaramaiah stated that there is no need for war against Pakistan, emphasizing that stringent security measures should be enacted.
“We are not in favor of going to war. There should be peace, security must be prioritized, and the Central government should implement effective security measures,” he remarked.
However, following backlash regarding his comments, Siddaramaiah stated on Sunday that war should only be waged when absolutely necessary.
Meanwhile, the BJP Mahila Morcha State President, Manjula, condemned the Chief Minister’s actions in Belagavi.
“The Belagavi City unit of the Mahila Morcha protested against the Chief Minister’s insensitive comments concerning the brutal killing of 26 Indians by terrorists. Upset by this protest, the Chief Minister allegedly responded harshly,” she claimed.
She further accused the Chief Minister of attempting to assault a police officer and criticized his inability to tolerate dissent, describing it as an expression of deep-seated animosity.
Manjula also mentioned that false FIRs are being intentionally filed against the BJP MLAs from both legislative houses.
