Daijiworld Media Network - Madikeri

Madikeri, Apr 5: A political storm is brewing in Karnataka as the BJP has issued a stern ultimatum to the state government, demanding that the names of two Congress MLAs be added to the FIR in connection with the suicide of BJP worker Vinay Somaiah. The party has warned Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Home Minister G. Parameshwara that their patience is wearing thin.

Vinay Somaiah, a resident of Madikeri, allegedly took his own life at his Bengaluru office on Friday. In a suicide note, he accused Congress MLAs A.S. Ponnanna and Manthar Gowda, along with party leader Thennira Maheena, of mentally harassing him and driving him to the decision. However, when police filed the FIR, only Maheena was named — prompting outrage from the BJP.

At a press conference in Kushalnagar, BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra lashed out at the government. “If the names of the two Congress MLAs are not included in the FIR within the hour, we will stage a protest with the body of Vinay Somaiah in front of the SP's office,” he warned.

Vijayendra accused the government of shielding its own and called out the Hennur police for ignoring key names. “The police must move the Magistrate's Court and ensure the FIR reflects the truth. If not, the government will be held accountable for the consequences,” he said.

Highlighting a broader pattern of negligence, Vijayendra drew parallels to past officer suicides in Kalaburagi and Shivamogga, accusing the Congress government of fostering a toxic political environment. He also criticized what he called the ruling party's attempts to stifle dissent. “Is this some kind of ‘Tughlaq durbar’? Are BJP workers not human beings?” he asked emotionally.

The BJP chief didn’t mince words when slamming MLA A.S. Ponnanna, who serves as the Chief Minister’s legal advisor, and Manthar Gowda, calling them “arrogant” and “drunk on power.” He accused Ponnanna of believing he’s above the law and warned, “We will show him what real legal accountability looks like.”

Vijayendra also responded to Ponnanna’s public denial of involvement in Somaiah’s death. “He should be ashamed. He can’t just brush this off. The note names him directly. He may think he’s protected, but we will ensure this case reaches its logical conclusion.”

Appealing to BJP cadres, Vijayendra called for restraint amid rising tensions. “I know there’s anger, but please do not take extreme steps. We are standing with you. Face this with strength — the fight for justice has just begun.”

The incident has ignited political friction in the state, with BJP demanding swift and impartial action. As emotions run high, the coming days could see escalated protests and mounting pressure on the Congress-led government to respond decisively.