Centenary AICC Session in Belagavi: Siddaramaiah Issues Legal Warning to BJP Over Planned Waqf Protest

Belagavi (Karnataka), Dec 18 (NationPress) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah issued a warning to the BJP on Wednesday, stating that if the centenary celebration of the historic AICC session in Belagavi is hindered, he would pursue legal action.

While addressing the press at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi, CM Siddaramaiah commented on the BJP’s planned Waqf protest coinciding with the AICC session, asserting, “If they attempt to disrupt the AICC session inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, legal measures will be initiated.”

The Congress party is organizing a significant national event on December 26 and 27 to honor the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi being elected as the AICC President and taking on a pivotal role in the fight for independence during the Belagavi session of 1924. Concurrently, the BJP has announced a large protest in Belagavi regarding the Waqf issue on the same dates.

“Had Mahatma Gandhi not spearheaded the freedom struggle, would we have attained independence? The rights we enjoy today are the result of the Constitution’s establishment,” questioned CM Siddaramaiah.

He criticized, “Figures such as Golwalkar, Hedgewar, and Savarkar held anti-Constitution views. The BJP does not advocate for Indian principles but instead promotes the Manusmriti.

In response to the BJP’s alleged attempts to disrupt the Belagavi session, CM Siddaramaiah remarked, “As the Opposition, the BJP should focus on discussing the state's development and addressing government deficiencies. However, they are utilizing this session for political gains.”

In reply to BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra's call to transfer the Rs 150 crore bribery case against him and the Waqf matters to the CBI, Siddaramaiah retorted, “Did the BJP refer any cases to the CBI from 2008 to 2013 and 2018 to 2023? They lack the ethical standing to make such requests.”

Siddaramaiah also assured there would be no cessation of the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, which aims to empower women economically and socially. He held discussions with beneficiaries of the Gruha Lakshmi initiative who gathered at the Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi on Wednesday.

“I engaged with over 25 beneficiaries who shared how the Gruha Lakshmi scheme funds have opened up new opportunities in their lives. The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude towards the Chief Minister, ministers, and the government for executing this initiative that has revitalized their existence,” stated CM Siddaramaiah.

He dismissed the BJP's claims that the scheme has caused rifts between daughters-in-law and mothers-in-law. “Today, both mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law participated together in large numbers and spoke positively about the benefits they have gained from the scheme.”

“It is encouraging to witness women achieving economic and social empowerment through this initiative. Therefore, we will persist with this scheme to fortify women,” the Chief Minister emphasized.

When asked by the media about BJP MLAs who met him, Siddaramaiah mentioned they had requested improvements to the roads in Bengaluru city.