Let BJP protest within law, says Karnataka CM Shivakumar; accuses opposition of resorting to hooliganism

Bengaluru, Aug 23 (IANS) Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Sunday said the BJP was free to continue its protest demanding the resignation of Minister for Planning and Statistics B. Nagendra but warned that any agitation must be conducted within the framework of law.

Responding to the BJP’s decision to continue its protest and lay siege to Vidhana Soudha on Monday, Shivakumar said the government would not interfere with a lawful demonstration.

“Let them do whatever they want. There is a law of this land and this country. I don’t want to disturb them. Let them do anything legally,” he said.

Shivakumar, however, accused the BJP of resorting to “hooliganism” by disrupting the Assembly instead of following established procedures.

“What they are doing today is nothing but hooliganism. If they are tearing up the law and disrupting the Assembly instead of giving a notice or following the procedure, then what is the point?” he asked.

The Chief Minister said there was nothing wrong with people coming together, raising questions or holding protests, but maintained that political parties should follow the prescribed procedures.

“There is nothing wrong with people coming together, asking questions or protesting. But at least give a notice and discuss it,” he said.

Shivakumar also questioned the BJP’s demand for Nagendra’s resignation and said the Opposition did not have the patience to hear the government’s response.

“I have been asking why he should resign. They do not even have the patience to listen to me till then. So, they do not have the strength to face the Congress party in the Assembly,” he said.

Shivakumar challenged the BJP to provide details of criminal cases against ministers, MPs, Union ministers and Chief Ministers across the country and explain why resignations were not being demanded from all those facing cases.

“You should also come out with a document on how many ministers have cases in the country, how many Chief Ministers have cases in the country, and why you are not asking for their resignation,” he said.

The Chief Minister accused the BJP of selectively targeting Nagendra because he belongs to the Scheduled Tribe community.

“They are only targeting a Dalit leader, an ST minister, a tribal minister,” Shivakumar alleged.

He claimed that Congress had a significant number of MLAs from the ST community and alleged that the BJP was targeting Nagendra out of political jealousy.

“Fifteen, 16, 17 MLAs have been elected from the Congress party. They are very much jealous of that. They could not get any ST community leaders elected from their party. So, they are trying to do this,” he said.

Asked about industrialist Gautam Adani’s meeting with him at his Bengaluru Sadashivanagar residence on Sunday, Shivakumar said it was the first time Adani had met him at his residence since he became Chief Minister.

“After I became the Chief Minister, this is the first time he has come here to meet me,” Shivakumar said.

He said Adani’s group had several projects and activities in Karnataka and described the meeting as a courtesy interaction.

“They are giving a lot of jobs here. He came just as a courtesy; he met me and left,” the Chief Minister said.

–IANS

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