Belagavi, Dec 18 (NationPress) Responding to the comments made by Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar, who labeled State BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra as a "collection king" and accused him of tarnishing the reputation of his father, former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, Vijayendra issued a stern warning to Shivakumar, stating that he should not attempt to threaten him as he does with others.

In a media interaction, BJP leader Vijayendra questioned, "Is the treasury of the government empty or not?", stressing that intimidation tactics would not work on him.

He asserted, "I am an elected representative and the State President of a national party," and advised Shivakumar against discussing issues of corruption.

Vijayendra noted that if one were to identify the true source of corruption in Karnataka politics, even Congress leaders would point to their own party.

He mentioned that he would disclose details of a purported conspiracy against his father, former Chief Minister Yediyurappa, in the near future.

Furthermore, he urged Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar, in his capacity, to address questions from the Opposition in the state Assembly if he was brave enough.

Vijayendra cautioned Shivakumar to be more judicious in his comments directed towards him.

He highlighted that freedom fighters in Mandya district have not received their honorarium for the past eight months under the current Congress-led administration and questioned the rationale behind this delay.

He further accused the Congress-led government of attempting to suppress the Opposition's voice through the Hate Speech Regulation Bill.

According to Vijayendra, the government also aims to control journalists' voices via this Bill.

He stated, "If anyone shares their opinion on social media, they are trying to suppress it and even imprison individuals for seven to eight years. This is an anti-democratic move, and we (BJP) will resist it," he added.

Additionally, he claimed that Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader was adopting an "anti-democratic" stance.

Vijayendra also accused Karnataka Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh of disrespecting voters from the coastal region and insisted that the BJP would push for discussions regarding the Bill once the House reconvenes.

He remarked that the Congress-led government was trying to recreate a scenario akin to the Emergency of 1975, a sentiment echoed by Leader of Opposition and senior BJP leader R. Ashoka.

When asked about the status of government jobs, Vijayendra stated that even after two and a half years, 2.5 lakh posts remain unfilled and no recruitment has taken place.

He alleged that potholes are still unaddressed and cited the suicide of an unemployed youth from Jagalur taluk in Davanagere district.

He accused the government of stalling recruitment under the guise of internal reservation and criticized the Congress leadership for their anger whenever the issue of an empty treasury arises.

Vijayendra also condemned the government for its inadequate treatment of a sportsperson hailing from the Chief Minister's district.

He mentioned Chaitra B, a young "Kho Kho" player, who has represented the country on 32 occasions at both national and international levels.

He claimed, "Neighboring states have awarded such talents with Rs 1 crore or Rs 2 crore. The disgraceful Congress-led government has only granted her Rs 5 lakh," adding that the athlete reportedly returned the amount to the government.

He further questioned, "If the Treasury is not empty, what does this indicate?"

Earlier on Thursday, Deputy CM Shivakumar strongly criticized BJP President Vijayendra's allegations that the Congress-led government was "looting the state to fund the Congress high command," describing Vijayendra as the actual "collection king." He remarked, "If anyone deserves the title of 'collection king,' it is B.Y. Vijayendra. He is the reason his father's name has been tarnished. He should not forget that," Shivakumar asserted.