BJP delegation meets Bengaluru Police Chief over MLA attack by Congress workers
Synopsis
BJP's Karnataka opposition leader R. Ashoka marched to the Bengaluru Police Commissioner's office with a 10 pm arrest deadline after Congress workers allegedly surrounded and pelted BJP MLA B.P. Harish with eggs at the KPCC office — while BJP legislators were in police custody. If no arrests follow, MLAs and MLCs will protest at Vidhana Soudha on 23 July.
Key Takeaways
BJP Leader of the Opposition R.
Ashoka submitted a memorandum to Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh on 22 July demanding immediate arrests.
Harish was allegedly surrounded and had eggs hurled at him by Congress workers outside the KPCC headquarters .
Ashoka held Chief Minister D.K.
Shivakumar directly responsible, calling the incident a 'pre-planned act'.
BJP has set a 10 pm Wednesday deadline for police to arrest the accused.
If the deadline is not met, BJP MLAs and MLCs will stage a demonstration near Vidhana Soudha on 23 July .
Ashoka said he would consult Karnataka BJP president B.Y.
Vijayendra on further party action.
Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka led a party delegation to the Bengaluru Police Commissioner on Wednesday, 22 July, submitting a formal memorandum demanding immediate arrests in connection with an alleged attack on a BJP legislator by Congress workers. The BJP has set a deadline of 10 pm Wednesday for police action, threatening a public demonstration if the accused remain free.
What Triggered the Confrontation
BJP leaders, including senior MLA B.P. Harish, had been marching towards the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) headquarters in Bengaluru to protest what the party described as Congress playing politics over the NEET row and neglecting the state's concerns. Police detained the BJP marchers before they could reach the KPCC office.
When B.P. Harish arrived directly at the KPCC premises, Congress workers allegedly surrounded him, raised slogans against the BJP, and reportedly hurled eggs at him. Police intervened and escorted him to a nearby lane, diverting the crowd.
BJP's Allegations Against Congress and Police
Addressing the media after meeting Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh, Ashoka alleged the assault on BJP legislators occurred while they were in police custody, accusing the police machinery of failing to protect elected representatives. He held Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar directly responsible, calling the incident a 'pre-planned act' carried out at Congress's direction.
Ashoka further alleged that weapons including machetes were present at the Congress office and that more dangerous materials could have been stored there. He described the Congress office as an 'anti-national office', also referencing earlier controversies involving Congress workers he alleged had raised 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans. The BJP said it had lodged a formal complaint and urged police not to suppress the case. 'There was an attempt to kill us. We have warned the authorities against covering up the incident,' Ashoka said.
Protest Deadline and Threatened Demonstration
The BJP has given police until 10 pm on 22 July to arrest those responsible. If the deadline passes without action, BJP MLAs and MLCs have announced a protest in front of Mahatma Gandhi's statue near Vidhana Soudha on 23 July, targeting what Ashoka called Chief Minister Shivakumar's 'goonda government'.
Ashoka also questioned what he described as selective law enforcement, noting that Congress workers had previously protested outside the BJP state office without facing similar restrictions.
What Comes Next
Ashoka said he would consult Karnataka BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra on the party's further course of action. The political temperature in Bengaluru is likely to remain elevated as both parties escalate their positions ahead of the threatened protest. Police have yet to publicly respond to the BJP's allegations or confirm any arrests.
Point of View
Making the subsequent confrontation foreseeable. Ashoka's allegation that the attack occurred while legislators were in police custody is the most serious claim and the one that most demands an independent account from the police. The 10 pm ultimatum and the Vidhana Soudha protest threat are classic escalation theatre, but they also increase pressure on a police force caught between two politically powerful parties. The real question is whether the Karnataka government's response will be seen as impartial — or as confirmation of the BJP's 'goonda government' charge.
NationPress
22 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to BJP MLA B.P. Harish in Bengaluru?
Senior BJP MLA B.P. Harish was allegedly surrounded by Congress workers and had eggs hurled at him when he arrived at the KPCC headquarters in Bengaluru on 22 July. Police intervened and escorted him away from the crowd.
Why did the BJP submit a memorandum to the Bengaluru Police Commissioner?
The BJP submitted the memorandum demanding immediate arrests of those allegedly involved in the attack on B.P. Harish. Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka accused the police of failing to protect elected representatives and alleged the assault was directed by the Congress party.
What has the BJP threatened if arrests are not made?
The BJP has set a 10 pm deadline on 22 July for police to arrest the accused. If no action is taken, BJP MLAs and MLCs plan to stage a protest in front of Mahatma Gandhi's statue near Vidhana Soudha on 23 July.
Who does the BJP hold responsible for the attack?
R. Ashoka has held Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar directly responsible, calling the incident a 'pre-planned act' carried out at the Congress party's direction. He also alleged the police failed in their duty to protect legislators in custody.
What was the BJP protesting about before the confrontation?
BJP leaders were marching towards the KPCC headquarters to protest against the Congress government over the NEET row and what the party described as the state government's neglect of Karnataka's issues. Police detained the BJP marchers before they reached their destination.
