Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah dismissed the opposition’s allegation of hate politics in connection with the arrest of a man linked to the riots that took place after the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992.
The police in Karnataka on Monday arrested a 50-year-old man for his alleged involvement in the riots in Hubballi post the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992. The accused, Poojari, was 20 years old at the time.
On BJP MLA Yashpal Suvarna’s demand for a holiday on January 22 for the Ram Mandir inauguration, CM Siddaramaiah said, “I am not aware of the BJP’s demand for a government holiday. I don’t know about the leave.”
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“The central government is organizing the program, and they can decide on leave,” he added.
Responding to the controversy surrounding Ram Mandir inauguration invitation, Siddaramaiah stated, “I don’t know whom they invited or left out. Whoever goes, let them go.”
Meanwhile, the BJP condemned the arrest of the man in Hubbali for his alleged role in the post-Babri demolition riots after 31 years. The Karnataka state BJP unit has called for a protest against the state government.
Speaking on the matter, BJP leader BY Vijayendra said, “They have arrested a Ram bhakt when the state and the whole nation is waiting for January 22. We strongly condemn this. We are calling for a protest throughout the state against the government and anti-Hindu accusations,” he added.
The saffron party also accused the Congress-led Karnataka government of “targetting Hindu activists”.
The BJP wrote on X, “Congress in Karnataka shamefully targets Hindu activists, arresting elderly Karsevak Shri Shrikanth Poojari in a 31-year-old fake case. As Hindus celebrate the Ram Mandir, Congress’s cowardly move reflects their refusal to accept the reality of the Ram Mandir. This witch hunt against Hindus is highly condemnable.”
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Meanwhile, an effigy of CM Siddaramaiah was burnt as a mark of protest against the Hubballi arrest. The demonstration was staged by Peethadheeshwar Jagadguru Paramhans Acharya of Tapaswi camp in Ayodhya.
The Ayodhya Tapaswi camp Peethadheeshwar demanded the removal of the Siddaramaiah government and urged to bring President’s rule in the state.
“President’s rule is demanded. Siddaramaiah government should be removed immediately otherwise the saints of Ayodhya will march to Karnataka,” he said.
“300 Kar Sevaks are being falsely implicated over their alleged involvement in Babri Masjid demolition in 1992,” he added.
(With inputs from ANI)