Karnataka: BJP, police clash over protest demanding minister's ouster

BJP leaders, led by R Ashoka, clashed with police in Bengaluru during a protest demanding Minister B Nagendra's resignation over the Valmiki Corporation scam. Ashoka accused the Congress government of using force against peaceful protesters.

BJP Protests in Bengaluru, Demands Minister's Resignation

The standoff between police and BJP leaders outside Vikasa Soudha gates in Bengaluru turned tense on Monday as Karnataka Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka accused the Congress-led government of using force against peaceful protesters.

His charge comes as BJP leaders tried to enter the state legislature, demanding the resignation of Minister B Nagendra over the alleged multi-crore Karnataka Dalit Valmiki Corporation scam. They were met with a heavy police presence that blocked their path.

'This Government is Attacking the Opposition': R Ashoka

Speaking to ANI amid the standoff, Ashoka reiterated the party's core demand, which is the resignation of B Nagendra. During the standoff, R Ashoka said, "Because B Nagendra has looted the Valmiki money... more than 180 crores. So this must be returned. That's why we are protesting in front of the Vidhan Soudha. Vidhan Soudha mutthige (siege). The police have handled us roughly. This government is attacking the opposition. This is not good. We are protesting silently. But the Congress people are attacking us. This is not good. This protest (dharna) will continue," he said.

The standoff saw BJP leaders push toward the gates of Vidhana Soudha even as police personnel blocked their entry, leading to scuffles and tense stand-offs at the barricades.

The demonstration followed a call by R Ashoka, who a day earlier announced that the BJP would "lay siege" to the Vidhana Soudha to demand accountability. Earlier today, BJP leaders staged a massive protest at Freedom Park in Bengaluru before marching to Vidhana Soudha.

Ashoka has alleged that Rs 187 crore belonging to the Valmiki Corporation was looted from the state treasury to finance Congress election campaigns in Karnataka and Telangana.

Government Hits Back, Challenges BJP to Debate

Meanwhile, hitting out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for staging protests Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge asked whether the leader was a convicted person, challenging the opposition to debate the issue inside the Assembly instead of indulging in street theatrics.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru as BJP leaders took out a protest march towards the Vidhana Soudha, Kharge stated that both the government and the leader in question had already placed their stance on public record.

"Is Nagendra a convicted person? Nagendra himself held a press conference to clarify the matter, and the Deputy Chief Minister has already issued a statement on behalf of the government. We are telling the BJP to submit a notice in the House and debate it on the floor of the Assembly. The BJP is just trying to show a blacklist," Kharge said.

Questioning the selective outrage and pointing towards pending prosecution files, the Karnataka Minister asked, "Have you seen the CBI charge sheet? Has the Governor seen it? There are many files of all politicians at the Governor's house." (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)