Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jan 3: BJP MLA Vedavyas Kamath and several BJP leaders were arrested during a protest organized by the Dakshina Kannada district BJP Yuva Morcha near the Mini Vidhana Soudha. The protest was staged against the Congress-led Siddaramaiah government, accusing it of creating an atmosphere of distress and driving contractors and government officials to suicide.
Addressing the gathering before his arrest, Kamath alleged that ever since the Congress government assumed power, neither the public nor contractors and honest officials have found peace. “Suicide seems to be the only 'guarantee' under this administration,” he remarked.
Citing specific cases, Kamath referred to the suicide of contractor Sachin, allegedly due to harassment by associates of Minister Priyank Kharge. He accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar of remaining silent on the issue due to political fears over their positions.
Kamath also highlighted other incidents, including:
- Chandrashekar, superintendent of the Maharshi Valmiki Development Corporation, who died by suicide.
- A government official who expressed fear for his life before a High Court judge due to alleged harassment by Congress MLA Belur Gopalakrishna.
- Rudresh, who died by suicide after alleged harassment by an aide of Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar.
- Parashuram, a Dalit inspector, who succumbed after alleged torture linked to Congress MLA Channareddy Patil’s son.
Prominent BJP leaders, including Ramesh Kandetthu, Premananda Shetty, Vikas Puttur, Nandan Mallya, Monappa Bhandary, Pooja Pai, deputy mayor Bhanumathi, and Sanjay Prabhu, participated in the protest along with municipal council members and party workers.
The protest led to heated scenes, culminating in the arrest of Kamath and other BJP leaders by the police.