BJP Leaders Detained During Protest Against Price Hike in Karnataka
Several Karnataka BJP leaders were detained on Thursday while attempting to lay siege to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s residence in Bengaluru. The protest, which entered its second day, was organized as part of the BJP’s ongoing agitation against rising prices and the state’s Muslim quota in government tenders.
The protest was called by BJP state President B.Y. Vijayendra, who had urged party leaders and workers to gather and lay siege to the CM’s residence. However, as they attempted to march toward the residence, police intervened, erecting barricades and detaining the leaders. Some of the leaders were forcibly removed by police and carried into vehicles, leading to arguments and high drama between the party workers and officers.
Among the detained leaders were Former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, and Vijayendra. The protestors, who had gathered at Freedom Park in Bengaluru, also burned an effigy with photos of CM Siddaramaiah and other ministers.
The BJP launched the protest on Wednesday, voicing opposition against a series of price hikes and the Muslim quota in government tenders. Thousands of BJP leaders and workers, including women, participated in the overnight protest at Freedom Park, a part of a statewide movement that has spread to various district and taluk headquarters.
Vijayendra addressed the gathering, stating, “Our struggle against the Congress-led government has only just begun with this overnight protest. We have now reached an important stage in our movement.” He further criticized the Congress-led government for neglecting the welfare of the people, laborers, and the SC/ST communities.
Former CM B.S. Yediyurappa, speaking to the crowd earlier, slammed the Siddaramaiah government for imposing taxes on a wide range of goods and services, claiming it was burdening the common people. “The common people are struggling to survive,” he said. He also vowed that the BJP’s protest would continue, with plans for a statewide agitation.
Yediyurappa also accused the government of halting key irrigation projects and exploiting public funds. “The Siddaramaiah-led government has lost its moral right to remain in power,” he stated.
Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, R. Ashoka, echoed similar sentiments, accusing CM Siddaramaiah and Dy CM D.K. Shivakumar of corruption. He highlighted various tax hikes, including an increase in fuel prices, and criticized the government’s plans for a tax based on liquid waste generation. “They are desperate for revenue,” Ashoka said.
Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, another BJP leader, targeted CM Siddaramaiah for allegedly misusing Rs 38,000 crore meant for the welfare of SC and ST communities. He also expressed concern over the state’s new reservation policy for Muslims, which he described as unfair to the oppressed classes.
The protest, although met with police resistance, continues to gain traction, with BJP leaders vowing to escalate their efforts in the coming days.
