Pralhad Joshi Criticizes K'taka CM Siddaramaiah for Taking Law into His Own Hands

Bengaluru, Dec 25 (NationPress) Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, articulated on Wednesday that taking the law into one's own hands is unworthy of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

"This behavior does not align with your dignity," he remarked.

Joshi made these comments while addressing the media on Thursday, in response to the egg attack on BJP MLA N. Munirathna Naidu in Bengaluru, allegedly carried out by Congress workers, along with police misconduct concerning BJP MLC C.T. Ravi in the derogatory remark case.

He addressed allegations against MLA Munirathna, asserting that the legal process is underway and the court has granted him bail.

He posed the question of whether the court had restricted MLA Munirathna from attending his Assembly constituency.

While organizing an event in honor of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee in his constituency, Munirathna was attacked with eggs.

Joshi condemned the incident and the ongoing derogatory remark case involving BJP MLC C.T. Ravi, emphasizing that these matters should be resolved by the courts.

"Such actions mirror the conduct of former PM Indira Gandhi and her son Sanjay Gandhi during the Emergency, which is entirely unacceptable," he stated.

"Taking the law into your own hands, engaging in assaults, or throwing eggs is reprehensible," he added.

He also raised concerns about the delay in filing an FIR regarding BJP MLC Ravi's complaint.

"As of today, no FIR has been filed based on C.T. Ravi's complaint; they claim it was initiated suo motu," he said.

"When lawyers inquired why no complaint was lodged, officials reportedly claimed that the case had been transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID)," the Union Minister noted.

Joshi contended that an FIR should be registered first before any case transfer.

He questioned the suspension of Khanapur Circle Inspector Manjunath Nayak, asking why the Belagavi Police Commissioner or the Police Superintendent present at the time did not take action.

Union Minister Joshi accused the Congress of fostering a climate of fear and criticized the lack of direct communication from the Police Commissioner in such situations.

"This kind of behavior is intolerable in a democracy. In a democratic environment, actions must adhere to the law and the Constitution," he stated.

He also chastised the Congress, claiming they consistently show a lack of respect for the Constitution and B.R. Ambedkar, from Nehru's era to the present day.

State BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra visited MLA Munirathna Naidu at K.C. General Hospital, where he is receiving treatment, to check on his well-being.

Following the visit, Vijayendra remarked, "This is not the first time party MLAs have faced pressure through the misuse of the police. Previously, BJP MLA Harish Poonja was implicated in a false case, and there was an attempt to arrest him."

Commenting on the treatment of BJP MLC C.T. Ravi at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi, he stated that the manner in which Ravi was treated outside the Legislative Council raises questions.

"Such actions are only possible with the tacit approval of the government. Incidents like these cannot occur without ministerial interference," he asserted.

On the egg attack against BJP MLA Munirathna, he stated, "This attack is not a trivial matter. While it is acknowledged that Munirathna faces legal issues with the court addressing them, he is under pressure to resign as an MLA. This is part of a broader scheme to force a re-election and install their candidate."

Vijayendra voiced concerns for the safety of BJP workers and their families, stating, "Our party members are deeply distressed. BJP leaders and MLAs are being targeted. Criminals are threatening women and invading the homes of our party workers in Munirathna's constituency. Such intimidation tactics will not succeed. Let the investigation into MLA Munirathna proceed, but targeting him under this pretense is unacceptable."

He further alleged that the Congress government had withdrawn Munirathna's security detail, questioning, "Is he not an MLA? The removal of his security personnel is suspicious. It appears to be a calculated move so that if he is attacked in the future, there will be no evidence or protection."

Vijayendra demanded an impartial investigation and condemned the actions against Munirathna as "politically motivated" and "unjust."

An egg was thrown at BJP MLA Munirathna in Bengaluru on Wednesday, after which he accused Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar of being responsible for the incident.

"This is akin to an acid attack on me. The attackers filled the egg with acid before launching their assault," MLA Munirathna stated.