Karnataka BJP Protests for Inclusion of Congress MLAs in FIR Related to Party Worker’s Suicide

Bengaluru, April 5 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP has announced its intention to persist with its protest on Saturday, demanding the addition of Congress MLAs A.S. Ponnanna and Manthar Gowda from the Madikeri district to the FIR concerning the suicide of party worker Vinay Somaiah, who tragically passed away on Friday.

Vinay Somaiah, a resident of Madikeri district, reportedly took his own life at his office in Bengaluru, leaving behind a death note. In this note, he accused Congress leaders of harassment and specifically named MLAs A.S. Ponnanna, Manthar Gowda, and Congress leader Thennira Maheena as being responsible for his actions. However, the Hennur police have only registered an FIR against Thennira Maheena.

Sources indicate that both the BJP and the family of the deceased have decided to delay the final rites until the two MLAs cited in the death note are incorporated into the FIR.

“All names mentioned in BJP worker Vinay Somaiah’s death note must be included in the FIR,” insisted Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka.

He also revealed that BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra is set to visit Madikeri on Saturday, and the protests will carry on.

Ashoka, along with the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy and Vinay Somaiah’s family, submitted an additional complaint to DCP D. Devaraja demanding the inclusion of the two MLAs in the FIR.

“Only one name has been included in the FIR. We are insisting that two more names be added,” Ashoka emphasized, reiterating that the protests will persist until justice is achieved.

He further accused that Vinay was repeatedly harassed by Thennira Maheena, a close associate of the Congress MLAs, with the backing of the local Superintendent of Police (SP). “These three individuals and the SP hold direct responsibility for his demise,” Ashoka alleged.

“He was targeted merely for sharing a post on social media. There is evidence of this; even his death note indicates it,” he claimed.

While criticizing the Congress, Ashoka stated, “They have transformed police stations into Congress offices. There is pressure being exerted on law enforcement. They are manipulating the system to settle political scores out of vendetta.”

“We will determine our next steps after consulting with party leaders. We will not abandon the family under any circumstances. We will ensure that justice is served,” he promised.

Chalavadi Narayanaswamy also condemned the authorities, asserting, “We have never witnessed such negligence from the police in the state.”

He demanded that the names of Congress MLAs Ponnanna and Manthar Gowda be included in the FIR and insisted that the Kodagu SP, who is allegedly implicated, should be suspended.

Former Deputy Chief Minister and BJP MLA C.N. Ashwath Narayan questioned, “Vinay’s death note clearly cites harassment as the reason for his death. What error did he commit?”

“The harassment from the MLA and his follower is documented in the note,” he asserted.

“It is common sense to include those named in the FIR, as stated in the death note,” he expressed frustration over what he termed premature exoneration. “This is a contract government,” he criticized.

He further queried, “Is this government a Congress Private Limited Company? Is it CM Siddaramaiah Private Limited? Or Home Minister G. Parameshwara Private Limited?”

Vinay Somaiah’s brother, Jeevan K.S., also spoke to the media, stating, “Although four names were mentioned in the complaint, only one name has been included in the FIR. We seek justice.”

Former BJP MP Pratap Simha also commented, questioning the current situation in Madikeri. “What happens when a BJP worker is harassed merely for criticizing the Congress government? What are these two Congress MLAs doing? They are both seen neatly dressed, showcasing Rolex watches. They have contributed nothing to development. If a photo of a dirty public toilet is published alongside MLA Ponnanna, the issue is distorted into communal controversy.”

“We used to embrace criticism positively and accomplish our tasks. Now, FIRs are being filed against those who raise questions. Thennira Maheena, their close associate, is intimidating individuals. Is the Madikeri SP the personal secretary of MLA Ponnanna? We will no longer tolerate this in Kodagu,” he asserted.

Simha demanded that an FIR be filed against MLA Ponnanna, MLA Manthar Gowda, and Thennira Maheena. “I urge Vinay Somaiah’s family to delay the final rites until an FIR is filed against both MLAs. I appeal to our party workers to confront these MLAs wherever they appear in the area and question them,” he urged.

In response to the BJP's claims, Congress MLA A.S. Ponnanna stated, “It is not new for the BJP to politicize deaths. BJP leaders have built their careers on provoking public emotions. Even though Vinay belonged to a different party, I reached out to his family — that was necessary at the time. The BJP is unnecessarily meddling in this matter.”