Bengaluru, Aug 2 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP has declared a counter-protest in response to the rally organized by the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, scheduled for August 5 in Bengaluru.

The Congress is set to gather at Freedom Park on the same day to voice concerns over alleged voter fraud, a matter that has sparked national discussions.

The BJP plans to hold their demonstration at the Mahatma Gandhi statue, branding the Congress's protest as an attempt to tarnish the reputation of constitutional institutions. Additionally, party leaders intend to present a memorandum to Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot.

During a press conference at the BJP state headquarters, B.Y. Vijayendra, the state president and MLA, claimed that Rahul Gandhi's statements imply an insult to the voters, alleging electoral misconduct. In light of his comments and what they see as anti-constitutional behavior, the BJP is organizing a protest at 10 a.m. on August 5.

Vijayendra expressed that a memorandum would be delivered to the Governor post-protest, accusing Rahul Gandhi of staging a political spectacle. He emphasized that BJP members, including MPs, MLAs, and former officials, will join the protest.

“The aim is to shed light on the Congress party’s double standards,” he remarked.

Furthermore, Vijayendra alleged that the state government took measures to demolish structures and cut down trees at Freedom Park in anticipation of Rahul Gandhi's visit.

He called for apologies from both Rahul Gandhi and the Chief Minister to the state’s citizens.

Vijayendra criticized the Congress for introducing a new narrative, describing Rahul Gandhi as a misguided missile alleging widespread electoral fraud in Karnataka and beyond during the recent Lok Sabha elections, claiming the BJP misused the Election Commission.

He suggested that Rahul Gandhi's confusion stems from repeated electoral defeats, prompting him to launch unfounded attacks on constitutional entities. “Rahul Gandhi, who has failed to gain the public's trust, is now resorting to a false political drama,” he stated.

“Rahul Gandhi asserts he has 100 percent proof of electoral fraud. If he and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, along with Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar—who have echoed his claims—possess any evidence of corruption or misuse of the Election Commission, they should present it to the High Court or Supreme Court,” Vijayendra contended.

He accused them of attempting to instigate confusion and unrest in the state while demonstrating a lack of faith in democratic institutions.

“Rahul Gandhi is profoundly disheartened. His continuous losses in the 2014, 2019, and 2024 Lok Sabha elections have destabilized his confidence and leadership,” he derided.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has secured a third consecutive term under the BJP-led NDA. The nation is advancing under Modi's leadership. Rahul Gandhi struggles to accept this reality, leading him and the Congress party to act against democracy and criticize the Election Commission,” he emphasized.

“This is an attempt to mislead the populace and bring chaos to the nation,” he cautioned, labeling it a significant issue. Vijayendra insisted that Rahul Gandhi's planned protest at Freedom Park on August 5 is not alarming, but rather the Congress’s actions are a threat to democracy. “This is an anti-democratic move,” he criticized.

He accused the Congress of trying to recreate a scenario reminiscent of the Emergency declared by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975. “Following losses in the Lok Sabha elections, Rahul Gandhi raised doubts about EVMs again. After the Maharashtra elections, he similarly criticized the Election Commission without offering any evidence,” he stated.

Vijayendra characterized Rahul Gandhi’s behavior as anti-democratic and dangerous.

He highlighted that the BJP-JD(S) alliance secured 19 seats in the latest Lok Sabha elections. “D.K. Suresh lost in Bangalore Rural, and now D.K. Shivakumar claims there was fraud. Our MP, P.C. Mohan, won in Bangalore Central. The Mahadevapura Assembly segment provided the largest lead. He alleges malpractice occurred there and in Rajajinagar. But weren’t your own officials responsible for overseeing the elections?” he challenged the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister.

“Do you not trust your own officers? Are you unable to oversee them?” he questioned.

Former BJP National General Secretary and MLC C.T. Ravi, former Deputy Chief Minister and MLA Dr. C.N. Ashwath Narayan, Rajya Sabha MP Lehar Singh, MP P.C. Mohan, and former MLC Y.A. Narayanaswamy were also present at the press conference.