Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra on Saturday, 23 May launched a sharp attack on the state's Congress government, alleging it had crossed all limits of 'appeasement politics' by systematically favouring minorities at the expense of Hindus and farmers. Speaking at the state BJP office in Bengaluru, Vijayendra cited the Cabinet's decision to withdraw the Aland riot case as evidence of what he described as vote-bank consolidation over law and order.

Appeasement Allegations and the Aland Riot Case

Vijayendra alleged that 'continuous atrocities against Hindus' had gone unchecked since the Congress came to power in Karnataka. He pointed specifically to the withdrawal of the Aland riot case as a telling signal of the government's priorities.

'This government is willing to go to any extent to appease minorities. The Cabinet's decision to withdraw the Aland riot case clearly shows that the Congress is trying to secure its vote bank instead of taking action against anti-national elements and those disturbing law and order,' Vijayendra alleged.

He added that the people of Karnataka were, in his view, closely watching what he termed 'repeated insults to Hindus' by the state administration. The BJP, he said, would respond with street protests against what he called the government's 'anti-Hindu' policies.

Anekal Stadium Project and Farmers' Grievances

Vijayendra also trained his sights on the proposed cricket stadium project near Anekal, accusing the Congress government of prioritising real estate interests over agricultural welfare. He alleged that the government had failed farmers during floods and droughts, and was now compounding the neglect by acquiring fertile farmland for the stadium.

'There are thousands of acres of land available near Bengaluru airport where the stadium could have been constructed. Instead, the state government is acquiring fertile agricultural land in Anekal and repeatedly troubling farmers,' Vijayendra said. He pledged that the BJP would stand firmly with affected farmers and resist any move that ignored their interests.

He also criticised local representatives and Ministers for allegedly failing to engage with the grievances of people in affected areas — a charge that, if sustained, could sharpen the BJP's outreach in Karnataka's rural constituencies ahead of future elections.

Deve Gowda and the Rajya Sabha Seat

On the question of the upcoming Rajya Sabha candidate selection, Vijayendra clarified that the BJP had not opposed the prospect of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda being nominated to the upper house. He indicated that one seat was available and that discussions were ongoing, but that any final decision rested with the party's national leadership.

'BJP has not opposed sending Deve Gowda to the Rajya Sabha. Any decision in this regard will be taken by the national leadership. So far, no specific instructions have been received,' Vijayendra said.

What Comes Next

The BJP's escalating rhetoric signals a sustained Opposition campaign in Karnataka, with the party expected to mobilise on the appeasement and farmer-welfare planks in the coming weeks. How the Congress government responds — particularly on the Aland case withdrawal and the Anekal land acquisition — will shape the political temperature in the state through the next legislative session.