Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra on 21 May demanded that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi apologise to the people of India for what he called 'childish remarks' against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Vijayendra issued the warning at the BJP state office, Jagannath Bhavan, in Bengaluru, threatening state-wide protests if the apology is not forthcoming.

Key Accusations and Warning

Addressing reporters, Vijayendra said a leader of Rahul Gandhi's standing should exercise greater restraint when commenting on constitutional authorities. 'One should not speak irresponsibly. Rahul Gandhi should not make insulting remarks against the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister,' he said.

Vijayendra alleged that Gandhi's remarks stem from an inability to accept the BJP's electoral performance. 'The BJP has achieved a historic victory in West Bengal and Assam, and Rahul Gandhi is unable to digest it. He should apologise to the people of the country. Otherwise, we will launch protests across the state,' he warned.

Defence of Modi and Shah

Vijayendra praised Prime Minister Modi, noting that he comes from a backward community and has led India to become the world's fourth-largest economy during his third consecutive term. He questioned whether Gandhi's criticism was rooted in intolerance of the country's development under Modi's leadership.

Defending Home Minister Shah, Vijayendra pointed to the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and efforts to eliminate Naxalism as key achievements. 'Is Rahul Gandhi calling HM Amit Shah anti-national for that?' he alleged, adding that Modi had delivered 'corruption-free governance' which, he claimed, Gandhi 'cannot tolerate.'

Criticism of Karnataka Congress Government

Vijayendra also took aim at the ruling Congress government in Karnataka, accusing state ministers of making irresponsible statements on national and international issues. 'Even after being in power for three years, Congress leaders speak as though preparing property accounts is their biggest achievement,' he remarked sarcastically.

On the proposed Bidadi township project, Vijayendra asserted that the BJP would not allow farmers who lost land for the project to be displaced. 'We will not allow farmers who lost land for the Bidadi township project to be pushed to the streets,' he said.

Upcoming BJP Events and New Entrant

Vijayendra announced that BJP national president Nitin Nabin would visit Bengaluru on 23 May for the first time since assuming the party's national leadership. Nabin is scheduled to participate in the Bengaluru North district training camp on 24 May, with meetings planned with BJP MPs, MLAs, and Legislative Council members.

The BJP leader also said several programmes would be organised across Karnataka to mark Prime Minister Modi completing 12 years in office, alongside observances of World Environment Day and International Yoga Day. Separately, Vijayendra welcomed former Karnataka Kadu Golla Development Corporation chairman Rajanna into the BJP, saying his induction would strengthen the party in Tumakuru and other districts of central Karnataka.