Bengaluru, July 31 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP has characterized the upcoming protest by the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, regarding alleged election fraud in Bengaluru as a ‘grand spectacle’. They assert that the Congress party itself has a history of introducing irregularities in elections, thus questioning their credibility to raise such allegations.

Karnataka LoP R. Ashoka emphasized that it has been legally established that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was involved in electoral misconduct.

“Rahul Gandhi's visit to Karnataka on August 5 is nothing more than a theatrical performance. The government is currently non-functional, and there is an ongoing battle for the Chief Minister’s position. To divert attention from this, they are bringing up election irregularities,” he stated.

In response, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar confirmed that a protest, led by Rahul Gandhi, against alleged voter fraud is planned at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on August 5.

Ashoka criticized the timing of these allegations, suggesting they are an attempt to distract from the lack of development in Karnataka. “If there was any evidence, they would have approached the courts sooner. Their lack of evidence is why they resort to public protests,” he added.

On the topic of the honey trap incident, Ashoka pointed out that it had stirred controversy in the assembly, yet the government reported that no such incident occurred.

“Statements from ministers are unreliable. Whatever they say is considered the government's stance. The truth remains obscured under pressure. This government is attempting to conceal irregularities,” he remarked.

Ashoka also highlighted the rise of the drug trade in Mysuru, the home base of CM Siddaramaiah, stating, “The Home Department's inaction has allowed a significant drug network to emerge. It is humiliating for our local police that the Maharashtra police have had to intervene and make arrests here.”

Addressing concerns regarding the fertilizer shortage, Ashoka questioned, “What is the monthly fertilizer supply to the state? What is the current stock? The government must disclose this information instead of allowing middlemen to monopolize distribution.”

On the Malegaon blast case, Ashoka accused the Congress government of unfairly labeling Hindus as terrorists. “To appease Muslim voters, they have embarrassed themselves by promoting Hindu terrorism,” he concluded.