Is K'taka's New Unit Targeting Hindu Leaders Under the Guise of Curbing Communal Violence?

Bengaluru, June 2 (NationPress) The state unit of the BJP has lambasted the Congress-led government in Karnataka, stating that a specialized unit has been established to combat communal tensions in the coastal area, with a focus on bringing charges against Hindu leaders within that region.

During a press briefing, Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka asserted: “A task force has been initiated in Mangaluru aimed at prosecuting Hindu leaders. This is not a unit to combat communalism but an operation against Hindus. Previous officers were reassigned, and favored officers were selected. Legal actions are being initiated long after incidents have taken place. If unsubstantiated claims are made and cases are filed against Hindu activists, we will mobilize and protest.”

He further criticized the lack of financial support from D.K. Shivakumar’s Congress, stating: “No resources are reaching the coastal area.”

“The residents there are not dependent on the Congress for assistance… While Congress leaders thrive on taxpayer funds, Shivakumar owes an apology to the people of the coastal region,” he added.

On the contentious Hemavathi Express Link Canal Project, Ashoka remarked: “The government must convene a meeting with all farmers and significant leaders from various parties to deliberate on the Hemavathi water distribution issue and retract cases filed against farmers.”

Ashoka pointed out that when farmers in Tumakuru protested against the allocation of Hemavathi River water to Magadi, the government failed to engage with stakeholders and instead chose to foster division among farmers. He stated that intimidating farmers rather than persuading them is inappropriate.

“All farmers deserve equal treatment, and no cases should be brought against religious leaders or elected officials. Even Congress MLA Gubbi Srinivas has voiced opposition to this,” he noted.

“Bringing charges against farmers is an inexcusable act. The government should engage in dialogue with farmers to reach a conclusion. Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar’s credibility is on the line. The state government must organize an all-party meeting from both districts, decide, and dismiss the cases,” Ashoka emphasized.

Further criticizing the state administration, the BJP leader remarked: “Since the inception of Greater Bengaluru, has any actual development occurred? The roads in Bengaluru are filled with potholes. The government is incapable of road repairs. Garbage disposal contractors haven't been compensated since January. Contracts are awarded to out-of-state entities, fostering a garbage monopoly. In such circumstances, how will they engage with the public during the upcoming civic agency elections in Bengaluru?”

“Departments are lacking funds, and ministers are rendered ineffective. KSRTC has not been allocated resources. Jowar procurement centers have not received payments. Government hospitals are short on funds for salaries.”