Will Congress Stand Strong Against BJP-RSS Threats? Siddaramaiah Responds to Speech Disruption

Belagavi, April 28 (NationPress) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asserted that the Congress will remain steadfast against the threats posed by the BJP and RSS, following an incident where his speech was interrupted by BJP women workers in Belagavi on Monday.

“I possess the strength to confront all of you openly. Our supporters share this strength. We will not succumb to the empty threats of the BJP and RSS,” he declared.

Siddaramaiah criticized the governance of the BJP as “anti-national” and their actions as “anti-people,” expressing his outrage towards the BJP workers who disrupted his address.

“When Indians were sacrificing their lives against British rule, what were the members of the Sangh Parivar doing? Why did you not join the freedom struggle? In Pahalgam, innocent Indians, including three Kannadigas, were brutally murdered. Isn’t this a significant security failure by the Central government? Shouldn’t we, as Indians, question your inability to protect our citizens? And when we do, you interrupt our events?” he questioned.

He pointed out that for 52 years after India's independence, the RSS did not even raise the Indian national flag at its office. “Aren’t you ashamed of that?” he asked.

He continued by questioning the contribution of the BJP and the Sangh Parivar from the freedom struggle to modern India.

“Without any sense of shame, you speak of patriotism. Beyond fracturing Indian society, what have you given to India over the years? Tell the nation,” he urged.

The BJP women workers interrupted Siddaramaiah's speech at a Congress protest rally in Belagavi against the Central government's alleged price hikes and anti-people policies.

During Siddaramaiah's address, the BJP women began chanting slogans against him, particularly opposing his comments that 'India should not engage in war with Pakistan'.

One protest leader exclaimed: “Where is your shame? Siddaramaiah advocates for dialogue with Pakistan. Has he witnessed the terror attacks that killed Hindus? How many lives were lost? Newly-wed brides lost their husbands before their mehndi could fade,” she stated.

Despite being pulled away by police, she continued to shout, “Go back Siddaramaiah, return to Pakistan. While Indians are being slaughtered, CM Siddaramaiah wants to negotiate,” she declared.

The police faced challenges escorting the BJP workers to safety as Congress supporters attempted to confront them.

Congress workers reportedly used offensive language against the BJP members and attempted physical confrontations. At one moment, they succeeded in halting the police vehicle, opening the door, and attempting to attack the BJP workers.

Nonetheless, police managed to push the Congress protestors back and relocated the BJP workers.

The disruption transpired while Siddaramaiah was criticizing the Central government, and chaos erupted as BJP workers raised slogans against him.

Visibly frustrated, Siddaramaiah demanded to know their identity. The event organizers swiftly intervened, instructing police to take action, while raising pro-Congress slogans such as “Jai Congress,” “Jai Siddaramaiah,” and “Bolo Bharat Mata Ki Jai.” They also encouraged the crowd to chant against the BJP.

Concerned with the situation, Siddaramaiah inquired about the police presence and questioned the SP in charge. As he spoke in an agitated tone, AICC General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala and others rushed to him and turned off the microphone.

Earlier, Siddaramaiah stated that there is no need for war against Pakistan, emphasizing the necessity for strict security measures.

“We are not proponents of war. We seek peace; people must feel secure, and the Central government should ensure effective security provisions,” he stated.

However, following backlash over his comments, Siddaramaiah clarified on Sunday that war should only be considered when absolutely necessary.

Meanwhile, the BJP Mahila Morcha State President, Manjula, expressed her strong disapproval of the Chief Minister’s conduct in Belagavi.

“The Belagavi City unit of the Mahila Morcha protested against the Chief Minister’s insensitive remarks regarding the brutal killing of 26 Indians by terrorists. Disturbed by this protest, the Chief Minister reportedly reacted harshly,” she remarked.

She further accused the Chief Minister of attempting to assault a police officer and condemned his inability to tolerate even a solitary protest, labeling it as an exhibition of deep-seated hatred.

Manjula also claimed that false FIRs are intentionally being filed against the BJP MLAs from both houses.