Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Tuesday, 15 September sharply attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over its proposed agitation on the Vande Mataram controversy, alleging that the opposition was deliberately trying to provoke people and destabilise the state. Shivakumar made the remarks in Bengaluru after paying tributes to Sir M. Visvesvaraya at K.R. Circle.

Shivakumar's Broadside Against the BJP

Accusing the BJP of viewing every issue through a purely political lens, Shivakumar claimed the party had no genuine interest in Karnataka's welfare. 'Even if you cut open the chest of BJP leaders, there is no element that shows concern for the welfare of the state. They have only a political mindset. They cannot be corrected,' he said.

He defended the police officer at the centre of the Vande Mataram controversy, whose purported remarks had triggered the row. 'What mistake has the police officer committed? He only issued a warning so that no untoward incident should take place. For that, the BJP has brought the issue to the streets,' Shivakumar said.

Criticism of the Leader of the Opposition

Shivakumar questioned why top opposition figures, including the Leader of the Opposition, had chosen to involve themselves in what he characterised as a panchayat-level matter. He said the post of Leader of the Opposition was a constitutional one, and he expected a higher standard of conduct from its holder.

He also took aim at BJP leaders for amplifying the controversy on social media, asking who bore responsibility for ensuring laws were followed in society and urging them to stop what he described as deliberate provocation.

National Reputation at Stake, CM Warns

Shivakumar framed the controversy in broader national terms, cautioning that any untoward incident in Karnataka could damage India's international standing. 'India is earning respect through Karnataka. If an untoward incident takes place here, it will cause damage to India. BJP leaders here are indulging in politics that could affect the Prime Minister's vision for the country,' he said.

While asserting that the BJP was free to hold protests, he drew a clear line: 'Do politics and hold protests, but I appeal to you not to create unrest and bring a bad name to the state.'

Drought and Rainfall Concerns Raised

Separately, Shivakumar addressed a growing drought concern in parts of Karnataka, urging legislators not to panic and warning against politicising the issue. He said the state government was preparing a comprehensive survey report ahead of a potential assessment by the Centre. 'When the Central government comes for an assessment, our report should not be wrong. Surveys have been completed in some areas, while reports from the remaining regions are being prepared,' he said.

The Chief Minister noted that while the Meteorological Department had forecast rainfall over the coming week, precipitation in several parts of the state had remained inadequate. He also flagged a growing power shortage and said the government was taking steps to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply. A special session of the legislature has been convened to discuss the drought situation, with additional measures to be announced after consultations with farmers.