Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Apr 3: The Karnataka BJP launched an overnight protest at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on Wednesday, condemning the Congress-led government's policies, particularly the recent price hikes and the decision to provide 4 per cent reservation for Muslims in government tenders.
The protest began with BJP leaders garlanding the statue of B R Ambedkar before launching into an aggressive demonstration against the state government.
The protest saw participation from key BJP figures, including former chief minister and BJP parliamentary board member B S Yediyurappa, leader of the opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, former deputy CM Ashwath Narayan, senior leaders C T Ravi and B Sriramulu, BJP legislative council chief whip N Ravikumar, as well as former ministers, MLAs, MLCs, and district BJP presidents.
In a symbolic protest, BJP leaders displayed milk cans with anti-government slogans and released a five-page booklet outlining their charges against the Congress government. Posters targeting chief minister Siddaramaiah, particularly over the Muslim quota in government contracts, were prominently displayed by BJP MLAs and leaders.
BJP state president and MLA B Y Vijayendra launched a sharp attack on the ruling party, accusing it of burdening the public with relentless price hikes.
"They call themselves a government that fulfills promises, but in reality, they only guarantee inflation," he remarked.
He challenged chief minister Siddaramaiah to move beyond his office in Bengaluru and tour the state. "Visit Raichur, Koppal, and Belagavi to see how people are suffering under your rule," he demanded.
Highlighting the rising costs of seeds, essential goods, and fuel, Vijayendra questioned whether the Congress government had truly improved people’s lives. "They provide Rs 2,000 to women and free electricity under various schemes, but these benefits are not properly reaching the people. Instead, they continue to raise prices on essential commodities," he alleged.
He criticized the government for hiking the prices of petrol, diesel, milk, and even government hospital fees, adding, "Just yesterday, diesel prices went up by Rs 2. This will further escalate costs for essential goods, making life even harder for the common man."
In response to the government's policies, Vijayendra announced the launch of the ‘Janaakrosha Yatra’ (Public Anger March) starting April 7. The protest march will be inaugurated by union minister Pralhad Joshi.
He further accused the Congress government of diverting funds meant for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes under the SCP and TSP schemes to implement the Muslim quota in government contracts.
State BJP Co-In-Charge Sudhakar Reddy echoed these sentiments, branding the Congress administration as corrupt. "This government does not guarantee development; it guarantees corruption," he claimed.
He asserted that the BJP would soon reclaim power in Karnataka. "Chief minister Siddaramaiah and deputy CM D K Shivakumar falsely accused the BJP of taking a 40 per cent commission. They should resign for spreading baseless allegations," he demanded.
Reddy also praised the BJP-led central government for upholding the values of B R Ambedkar and the Constitution.
Leader of the opposition R Ashoka took a jibe at Siddaramaiah, calling him ‘Nidderamaiah’ (one who loves to sleep). "People say he is ‘Manehaala Siddaramaiah’ (one who brings misfortune). For the people of Karnataka, this Congress government is as good as dead," he declared.
As part of the protest, BJP leaders Vijayendra, Ashoka, and C T Ravi also played traditional musical instruments at the venue, marking their dissent in a unique manner.