Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Apr 4: The Karnataka BJP has come down heavily on the state government following the tragic death of BJP worker Vinay Somaiah, who died by suicide in Bengaluru. The party has alleged that Somaiah was driven to take the extreme step due to harassment and humiliation by a Congress MLA and party workers.
In a strongly worded statement on Friday, BJP state president B Y Vijayendra said, "Vinay Somaiah, a promising young BJP worker, took his own life due to constant harassment from a local Congress MLA and his supporters. He left behind a death note pointing to the mental trauma he faced. This is a painful and deeply tragic incident."
Vijayendra alleged that BJP workers have been under constant pressure since the Congress came to power in Karnataka. "Our karyakartas are being unfairly targeted. False FIRs are being registered, and harassment has become routine," he added, warning that if justice is denied, the BJP will launch statewide protests.
The incident has sparked a political storm, with BJP leaders demanding immediate action. Former assembly speaker K G Bopaiah claimed that Congress members had been preparing to open a rowdy sheet against Somaiah.
“He was an active member of the BJP's social media team and raised local civic issues through a WhatsApp group in Madikeri, despite residing in Bengaluru. Trouble began after a post criticizing the poor state of a public toilet in Napoklu, which featured Congress MLA A S Ponnanna's photo. This led Congress worker Thennira Maheena to file a police complaint,” Bopaiah explained.
He cited Supreme Court guidelines which state that no immediate arrests should be made in cases involving offences punishable by less than seven years. “Despite speaking to him and urging him to stay strong, Vinay couldn’t bear the pressure and ended his life. Congress leaders A S Ponnanna, Manthar Gowda, and Thennira Maheena must be held accountable,” Bopaiah demanded.
Vinay, 35, reportedly died by suicide at the BJP office in HBR Layout. He had arrived there Thursday night and posted his final message in a WhatsApp group before taking the fatal step. His note, now a key piece of evidence, calls for an end to politically motivated police complaints.
MLA A S Ponnanna, one of the accused, serves as the Legal Advisor to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
The BJP has urged Home Minister G Parameshwara to intervene and ensure a fair investigation. “Justice must be served, irrespective of the power and influence of the accused,” said Vijayendra.