Why is the K'taka BJP Criticizing Congress for FIRs Against MLAs and Seers?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka BJP criticizes Congress for filing FIRs.
- FIRs target MLAs and seers involved in protests.
- BJP demands an all-party meeting to address concerns.
- Violence during protests has halted project work.
- Call for unity among farmers and representatives is crucial.
Bengaluru, June 2 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP launched a strong critique against the Congress-led administration for initiating FIRs against MLAs and seers due to protests concerning the Hemavathi Express Link Canal Project in the Tumakuru region.
BJP state President B.Y. Vijayendra condemned the filing of FIRs against MLAs, farmer activists, and respected religious leaders from Tumakuru who participated in the demonstrations.
Vijayendra emphasized that instead of collaborating with elected representatives of Tumakuru to address the challenges posed by the Hemavathi Link Canal issue, measures are being taken to stifle the movement.
“The Congress administration, which should focus on the challenges faced by farmers and advocate for their needs, is instead fostering a divide among the people... The narrative surrounding the Hemavathi Link Canal suggests the government is employing a divide-and-rule tactic for political advantage. The Congress-led government in Karnataka bears direct responsibility for this situation,” he remarked.
He urged the government to promptly organize an all-party meeting and engage in dialogue with representatives, influencers, and farmer leaders from the affected areas. “It is essential to act swiftly to promote unity and understanding among the residents and arrive at a lasting resolution,” he insisted.
“The government must recognize that the discontent expressed by the farming community, the public, and Tumakuru’s elected officials arises from their genuine concern for the people and farmers, not against any individual... I call upon the government to devise a fair and mutually acceptable solution that addresses the immediate water requirements of Bengaluru Rural district while ensuring equity for all affected regions,” he added.
Despite substantial opposition, the government has declared its intention to proceed with the project, filing 13 FIRs against over 100 individuals, including BJP MLAs Suresh Gowda and Jyothi Ganesh, along with JD(S) MLA M. T. Krishnappa and religious leaders who participated in the protests.
In the wake of significant farmer protests and BJP opposition to the Hemavathi Express Link Canal Project, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara is scheduled to visit Tumakuru to meet with project officials and law enforcement to assess the situation.
The project work has been temporarily suspended as Saturday’s protest escalated into violence, jeopardizing law and order in the area.
The BJP is advocating for an all-party meeting and has set a one-month deadline for the Congress-led government to halt the project. The situation remains tense in the region, with Parameshwara hailing from Tumakuru.