The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday, 4 November organised a high-profile foot march in Chitradurga, Karnataka, under the slogan 'Save Democracy, Eradicate Anarchy', with senior leaders accusing the Indian National Congress of working against national interest and undermining constitutional institutions. The rally marks an escalation of the BJP's anti-Congress campaign in the state ahead of the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections.

Key Allegations from the March

BJP National General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge Harish Dwivedi alleged that the Congress had consistently disrespected constitutional bodies, including the Election Commission of India (ECI), Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), and the Supreme Court, particularly during election periods. He claimed that the party 'had never worked in national interest' and had opposed the country's development initiatives.

In a pointed attack on Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Dwivedi alleged that a copy of the Constitution Gandhi publicly carried contained blank pages inside. He also alleged that the Congress had opposed the construction of the Ram Temple and had 'insulted great personalities of the country.'

Karjol on Electoral Rolls Revision and Misinformation

Member of Parliament and former Deputy Chief Minister Govind Karjol addressed the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, asserting it was not a new exercise — having been conducted 12 times in the past, including 10 times during Congress-led governments. He accused Rahul Gandhi of 'attempting to create anarchy' and alleged the Congress was engaging in anti-constitutional activities by opposing the judiciary and questioning the Election Commission's functioning.

Karjol further accused the Congress of spreading misinformation about the NEET examination and the electoral system through allegations of paper leaks and vote theft — claims the Congress has previously maintained are substantiated by evidence.

Sriramulu Invokes the Emergency

Former Minister B. Sriramulu drew a parallel with the Emergency of 1975, alleging it was imposed by late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to protect her own position rather than due to any genuine national crisis. 'India was kept in darkness for 21 months during the Emergency,' he alleged, adding that leaders including Jayaprakash Narayan and journalists were jailed during the period.

Sriramulu also alleged that the Congress amended the Constitution 75 times while in power — a figure the BJP has cited in earlier campaigns — and maintained that the BJP was fighting to protect democracy and the Constitution.

BJP's Electoral Confidence in Karnataka

Dwivedi described the current Congress-led Karnataka government as 'anti-people' and pointed to the party's defeat in the recent Legislative Council elections as a reflection of public sentiment. He expressed confidence that the BJP would return to power in Karnataka in the 2028 Assembly elections.

The event saw participation from BJP state President B.Y. Vijayendra, party legislators, members of the Legislative Council, and a large number of party workers. With the march, the BJP signals it intends to maintain sustained pressure on the state government well ahead of the next electoral cycle.