Karnataka: Vijayendra calls for state-wide protest against arrest of riot accused

Chief Minister Siddaramiah has entered into a political conflict with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over his comments in defence of the arrest of an individual from Hubballi for his involvement in riots that ensued after the Babri Masjid Demolition. “What should be done to the wrongdoers? Should we just leave them? We have told the police to dispose of old cases. No innocents have been arrested. We will proceed according to the court's direction,” he said in an interaction with reporters while visiting the Basapur Airport in Koppa. 

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also declined to comment on whether a leave would be granted in light of the inauguration of the Ram Mandir. He passed the buck onto the Central Government as the event is being coordinated by them. He also claimed to not have knowledge about the invitations extended for the invitations and stated that whether or not one would accept the invitation is an individual choice. 

BJP Karnataka State President BY Vijayendra lashed out at Siddaramaiah over this development. “They have arrested a Ram bhakt when the state and the whole nation is waiting for January 22. We strongly condemn this. We are calling for a protest throughout the state against the government and its anti-Hindu conduct,” he stated.