Are Hindus Unsafe in Karnataka? BJP Leader Ashoka Claims

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Criticism of Siddaramaiah's governance
- Claims of rising violence against Hindus
- Concerns over police inaction
- Call for external investigation
- Warning of communal unrest
Bengaluru, May 2 (NationPress) R. Ashoka, the Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, has criticized the Siddaramaiah administration, asserting that Hindus are facing threats in the state.
While speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, BJP leader Ashoka remarked, "The Siddaramaiah government aims to convert Karnataka into Pakistan."
He also condemned the government in light of the murder of Hindu activist Suhas Shetty, alleging a rise in lawlessness under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Ashoka highlighted an Instagram post hinting at revenge shortly before Shetty's murder, questioning why law enforcement did not take precautionary steps.
He mentioned that he plans to visit Shetty's family alongside State President B.Y. Vijayendra to express his condolences.
"During Siddaramaiah's initial term, several Hindu activists, including Paresh Mesta, Prashant Poojari, Sharath Madiwala, and Rudresh, were murdered," Ashoka stated.
"In the past 22 months of Congress leadership in the state, radical elements have persistently targeted and killed Hindus. Despite numerous communal riots, the police lack the autonomy to act as the government restricts action against radical groups," he criticized.
Ashoka enumerated various incidents, accusing the government of failure to protect Hindus from violence.
He recalled the violence during the Ganesh procession in Nagamangala, Mandya, where the police confiscated the Ganesh idol.
"No action was taken against radical groups, yet Hindus were detained. Muslims involved in stone-pelting were unpunished," he charged.
Ashoka alleged that in Mysuru's Udayagiri, Muslims attacked a police station, but it was minimized as children's mischief.
"However, the assault was orchestrated, as stones were transported in sacks," he asserted.
"Citizens are living in dread, and if this trend continues, Karnataka could transform into a region like Kashmir, where Hindus are targeted," Ashoka warned.
Claiming that the state police have become a Congress affiliate, Ashoka proposed, "If the police cannot carry out investigations, let the National Investigation Agency take over."