Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra on Monday, 7 July visited the residence of Shivaji Rao Bairoji, who was recently murdered at Rettihalli in Haveri district, and met his bereaved family. Vijayendra announced a large-scale protest in Haveri on 16 July, alleging that the Congress government in Karnataka had failed to protect Hindus.

What Happened in Rettihalli

According to Vijayendra, Shivaji Rao Bairoji had operated a petty shop in the area for nearly six decades. The BJP leader alleged that the accused picked a quarrel after claiming they had paid ₹500 for goods worth ₹100, before fatally assaulting him. Vijayendra claimed similar confrontations had taken place at the victim's shop on three or four previous occasions, and described the killing as part of a 'systematic conspiracy' rather than a personal dispute.

The Naregal Incident and Broader Allegations

Vijayendra also referenced a separate incident in Naregal, where Lohith Kurubar and his associates were allegedly attacked near a mosque over bursting firecrackers to scare away cattle. He alleged that assaults on Hindus had escalated to murders under the current state administration. Additionally, he referred to the recent murder of a Dalit woman in Yellapur, which he alleged was linked to 'love jihad,' and claimed no state minister had visited that victim's family either.

BJP's Demands and Political Criticism

Vijayendra criticised Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge, urging him to focus on law and order within the state rather than commenting on international affairs. He demanded police protection for Shivaji Rao's son, alleging the latter had received threats, and called on the government to provide a government job to the victim's sister along with adequate compensation to the family. He also objected to the re-arrest of Hindutva activist Puneeth Kerehalli, alleging a false case had been registered against him while those who had threatened him remained free.

Planned Agitation and Government Response

The BJP will hold its protest rally in Haveri on 16 July under the leadership of former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, who was also present during Monday's visit to the victim's family. Vijayendra alleged that no minister from the ruling Congress government had visited either the Naregal assault victims' families or the family of Shivaji Rao, calling the administration 'insensitive.' He maintained that the state government, elected with support from both Hindus and minorities, bore a responsibility to ensure the safety of every citizen. The Congress government in Karnataka had not issued a public response to these allegations at the time of reporting.