Former Karnataka minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader B. Sriramulu on Tuesday demanded a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the alleged security lapse during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Bengaluru. Sriramulu made the demand while addressing the media at the BJP's state headquarters, Jagannath Bhavan, accusing the Congress-led Karnataka government of failing to provide adequate security to the Prime Minister.

Key Allegations Against the Karnataka Government

Sriramulu alleged that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Home Minister G. Parameshwara had treated Prime Minister Modi as the leader of only BJP supporters rather than the head of the entire nation. "He is the Prime Minister of the nation. There is always a security threat perception surrounding the Prime Minister, but the state government has failed to understand this," Sriramulu said.

He further questioned the Karnataka government's decision to transfer nearly 100 police inspectors around the time of the Prime Minister's visit. "When the Prime Minister was visiting Bengaluru, the government transferred around 100 inspectors. What was the urgency behind such transfers?" he asked.

Gelatin Sticks Recovery Along Convoy Route

A key concern raised by Sriramulu was the reported recovery of gelatin sticks along the Prime Minister's designated convoy route near Bengaluru ahead of the visit. He questioned who would have borne responsibility had any untoward incident occurred. "If anything untoward had happened, who would have taken responsibility?" he said, calling the episode a serious lapse in security protocol.

BJP's Political Charge Against Congress

Sriramulu also alleged that the Congress was upset over the BJP's victory in recent Assembly elections held in five states and accused the Karnataka government of lacking concern and respect for the Prime Minister. He charged that the security failure was not incidental but reflected a deeper political attitude within the state administration.

Row Over PM Modi's Fuel and Gold Appeal

Addressing a separate controversy, Sriramulu defended Prime Minister Modi's recent appeal urging citizens to exercise restraint in gold purchases and fuel consumption. He criticised Congress leaders — including B.K. Hariprasad, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah — for attacking the statement.

"They should remember the statements made earlier by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and then Finance Minister P. Chidambaram," Sriramulu said, alleging that Congress leaders were making irresponsible remarks without understanding the economic context. He pointed to ongoing tensions involving the US, Iran, and Israel as having disrupted fuel imports and created global economic uncertainty.

Sriramulu stated that Modi's appeal was aimed at promoting awareness and strengthening initiatives like Make in India, and praised the Prime Minister's leadership for elevating India's global standing. The BJP's demand for an NIA inquiry is expected to escalate political tensions between the saffron party and the Congress-led state government in the days ahead.