Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Karnataka State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra on Thursday, 16 July, accused the state's Congress government of pursuing 'anti-Hindu' and 'anti-farmer' policies, threatening large-scale protests across the state. Speaking to reporters in Haveri, Vijayendra alleged a sharp rise in violence against Hindus since the Congress assumed power and announced a major agitation at Freedom Park, Bengaluru on 17 July.

Allegations of Rising Violence Against Hindus

Vijayendra alleged that attacks on Hindus had increased significantly since the Congress government took office. 'From the day the Congress government assumed office, atrocities against Hindus have continued unabated. Murders are taking place, and Karnataka has become a safe haven for communal elements due to the government's appeasement politics,' he said.

He cited specific incidents to support his claims, including an attack on Lohith Kurubar and his friends in Haveri — in which one victim allegedly lost a hand during a dispute at a local festival — and the murder of Shivaji Rao in Rattehalli. He also alleged similar incidents in Koppal and Yellapur. These claims have not been independently verified.

Anti-Farmer Charge and Bidadi Township Row

The BJP's 'anti-farmer' charge centres on a proposed township project in Bidadi, with Vijayendra accusing Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar of seeking to acquire thousands of acres of agricultural land for the development. He dismissed Shivakumar's assurance that land would be acquired only with farmers' consent as 'nothing but a deceptive drama.'

Vijayendra also criticised the government for what he described as an inadequate response to deficient rainfall affecting farmers. 'Merely sitting in an air-conditioned room in Bengaluru and writing letters to the Prime Minister is not enough. Ministers should visit districts, understand the problems faced by farmers and formulate relief measures,' he said, while flagging the delay in filling the Agriculture Minister's post.

Protest at Freedom Park and Legislative Mobilisation

Vijayendra announced that BJP legislators, Members of Parliament, Members of the Legislative Council, former MLAs, and former MLCs would converge at Freedom Park, Bengaluru on 17 July in a large-scale demonstration against the government's alleged anti-farmer stance. The mobilisation of sitting and former lawmakers signals a coordinated escalation by the party's state unit.

Airport Location Dispute and Electoral Roll Exercise

The BJP leader also opposed a proposal to develop Karnataka's second international airport near Kanakapura — the native place of Chief Minister Shivakumar — alleging the decision was driven by 'real estate interests.' He instead advocated for the airport to be sited near Tumakuru, arguing it would better serve central and northern Karnataka where sufficient government land is available.

On the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Vijayendra said BJP workers were actively participating in voter list verification, framing the exercise as a challenge despite what he described as 'government conspiracies.' He also criticised the state government's reported move to issue Permanent Resident Certificates (PRCs), without elaborating on specific objections.

Call to Rahul Gandhi and What Comes Next

In a pointed appeal, Vijayendra urged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to intervene and rein in the Karnataka government, warning that 'the curse of farmers' could bring down the administration if their grievances remain unaddressed. The BJP's planned Freedom Park rally on 17 July is expected to set the tone for the party's broader opposition strategy in the state ahead of local body elections.